"You're in our thoughts often and we're forever grateful to you for helping us welcome a beautiful baby girl into our lives as well as the birth mother!" 

- Chris, Chelsea and Shaela

"There are not enough words to thank you for everything you have done for us.  You were there for us through this entire journey.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

- Terena

"We would like to thank all of you for making our Adoption process very pleasant and memorable. Our daughter Medina adds lots of love and joy to our lives and has added a whole new dimension to life and humanity. We thank you from the bottom our hearts for all that you did for us right from the first phone call to the final court order. You make a lot of people happy and satisfied with the work you do and we wish you all peace and happiness." 
- Roohina, Karim and Medina

Our adoption journey began two years ago, when my husband and I met with two different agencies to find out more about the adoption process, and to decide which agency we wanted to work with.  After meeting with Sheila, we felt strongly that Adoption By Choice was the best fit for us because their emphasis was on relationships, rather than statistic.  We weren’t afraid to wait, as long as we knew that care and attention was poured into every match. 

Not surprisingly, the home study we so dreaded proved to be a wonderful time to connect further with Sheila and learn more about the process, and even ourselves; before we knew it, we were on the list.  We felt as though we had overcome the first hurdle, and set our hearts for the long wait ahead.  Our journey took a few unexpected turns, however.  After only three weeks on the list we received a call about a baby boy whose birth mom felt she was unable to handle parenthood any longer.  Excited and nervous, we travelled to Calgary, and over a two-day period, met with the birth mom and son.  With great reservation and sadness, however, we stepped away from the match, as it was a situation we felt uncomfortable with.  As difficult as that decision was, we knew we had to follow our hearts’ leading.

As the months went by, fears and doubts set in.  What if we didn’t get chosen again?  What if there was something wrong with our profile?  Thankfully, Sheila proved to be a tremendous support during this time, and provided the reassurance we so needed.  Finally, after about a year and a half, we received another call.  Some birth parents had chosen us, and the birth mom was scheduled for a C-section in a couple of weeks.  We excitedly began our preparations, purchasing the car seat, clothes and diapers.  Our meeting with the birth mom did not go through as she was unwell, but we were reassured by the birth dad that the adoption would proceed.  The day before the scheduled C-section however, we received a call advising us that the birth mom had changed her mind.  The disappointment we felt was real, but we held onto the hope that the right match was still in store. 

A few months later, our hopes were realized when we received a call about a birth mom who wanted to meet with us.  With Janet by our side, we spent a few hours with the birth mom, getting to know each other.  We were astounded by her maturity and grace, and left that meeting feeling excited, but also scared, knowing that we may very well face disappointment yet again.  We eagerly communicated with the birth mom through email, and before long, we found ourselves driving to the hospital to meet our baby girl.  One of the greatest blessings of this experience was to meet our birth dad and his family at the hospital as well – it was a room full of people, and a whole lot of love.  Over the course of two days, our birth mom welcomed a lot of visitors, and we were amazed at her strength.  We weren’t always certain of the time we should be spending in the hospital room, but though open communication with our birth mom and Janet’s gentle guidance, we managed to find our place.  The final parting was emotional and difficult, but we made a commitment to make contact (via email) as soon as we arrived home, and have maintained regular contact ever since. 

Our journey had its share of uncertainties and disappointments, but like the pains of childbirth, every time I gaze at our beautiful baby girl, those difficult times are easily forgotten.  We are blessed beyond measure to share our lives with not just our daughter, but her birth family as well, and we couldn’t imagine it any other way. 

Hello,

My name is Maggie Facca.  I have a story that I want to share.  My story is of love, hope, compassion and family.  Having a family of my own has always been a dream of mine and my husband’, Dario.  Shortly after our marriage, we decided it was time to have a baby.  Like most people, you assume it will just happen.  Well, it didn’t!   After quite a wait we were enrolled in the Calgary IVF program.  After a few attempts, this process was also unsuccessful.  During those years, Dario and I discussed apoption and we have always stated that what is meant to be is meant to be for a reason.  So, after 3 years of trying, we filed our adoption plans.

ABC, and specifically, Laura, was a real pleasure to team up with.  They were extremely helpful in guiding us through the entire process.  Once on the “wait list” we were more excited than ever and it was tough not emailing or calling ABC to get updates.  Okay, we snuck in a few emails!!! Dario and I will never forget the night we received the call.  It was 9:30 on a Tuesday evening when Janet called to tell us the great news.  We could hardly talk as we were so emotional.  Janet explained the situation and then we realized how wild the next 24 hours would be, or so we thought.  The next morning, 12 hours later, we were at the hospital meeting Janet from ABC.  Janet was our guiding light through the next 12 hours and beyond, however the next 12 will be remembered as the most emotional time of both our lives.  We now tell friends and family, it was more emotional than our wedding day!

That morning, we had several thoughts rolling through our minds.  What if the birthmother doesn’t like us, what if we are not a good match and we don’t connect well?  Well, the instant Well, the instant that Jenna walked in the room at the hospital, we were filled with love, joy, emotion and the Kleenex box was being passed around.  Again, our angel, Janet was able to guide the conversation.  We talked about everything we could, including our family plans and how we would fit all of our lives together.  Again, I had no idea how much love, sensitivity and emotion but, the connection that I had with Jenna was immediate and amazing.  After getting to know each other Jenna expressed that she was making the right decision and asked that we become the parents to Lucius (that was his name at the time).  With tears of joy we were barely able to get the words out but, of course, we say yes!  Janet then asked if it was okay for us to meet Lucius and Jenna immediately replied with, “Of Course”. 

Little Lucius came into the room and immediately Jenna asked me if I wanted to hold him.  It was the most emotional and loving exchange of my life.  To this day, Dario says it was the most amazing thing he has ever seen.  Jenna asked what we were planning on for names and our original plan was Angelo Dario Facca but, Dario and I asked if we could name him Angelo Lucius Facca.  Jenna was filled with emotion and excitement and today, Angelo Lucius is doing great!

Today our lives are all filled with family and love.  We see Jenna on a regular basis and include her in all our major activities.  We are one big happy family!

We are so grateful for ABC, specifically Laura and Janet for being there every stop of the way with caring and love towards myself, Dario, Jenna and of course, Angelo!
We are forever grateful to Jenna for giving us the greatest gift of life in our son, Angelo.