Dear Birthmom

Thank you for taking the time to read our letter and for considering us during such a deeply personal moment in your life. Our journey to adoption has been shaped by both hope and heartbreak. After experiencing infertility and pregnancy loss, we found ourselves grieving the family we once imagined while learning to open our hearts in new ways. Through that process, adoption became a path forward—one grounded in love, intention, and deep respect for the strength it takes to consider this choice. We are profoundly grateful for the care and thought you are putting into making the best decision for your baby.

As we move through this process, we do so with humility and hope. Adoption, to us, is rooted in compassion, honesty, and connection. We believe a child’s story begins long before they enter our home, and we are committed to honoring that story fully. If we are chosen to parent your baby, they would grow up knowing how deeply they are loved and how much courage and selflessness shaped their beginning. You would always be spoken of with respect and gratitude.

We are hopeful about the future and the possibility of building our family through adoption, while also understanding that this is your decision alone. No matter what you choose, we are thankful for your consideration and for the love that is evident in every step you are taking. We wish you peace, clarity, and comfort as you move forward.

Our Story

Our love story began many years ago in an unexpected way, when Melissa’s best friend married Brendan’s cousin. Although we were both part of the wedding, we didn’t know each other well at the time, especially since Brendan was living out of state. Over the years, Melissa grew very close to Brendan’s family. Through that friendship we would occasionally see each other at family gatherings.

About twelve years ago, everything changed when we, along with several family members, decided to run a 5K together. This shared experience sparked a deeper connection, and we soon began dating. We quickly realized that what we were building was rooted not only in love, but in a genuine friendship, shared values, and mutual respect.

As our relationship grew, Brendan made the decision to move back to his hometown so we could build our life close to family. We were married in 2019 and have been intentionally building a strong, supportive life together ever since—one grounded in love, commitment, and the importance of family.

 Our Extended Family

Family and community are at the heart of our lives. Our future child would be surrounded by an incredible circle of love and support. We are very close with our parents, who live just a few minutes away and are an active, loving presence in our everyday lives. Brendan’s sister, brother-in-law, and their growing family also live nearby. They have two daughters, ages five and two, and a baby boy due in May 2026. We have the special honor of being godparents to our five-year-old niece. They are extremely excited to have a new cousin in the family. Beyond our immediate family, we are blessed with a large extended family with whom we share close relationships. We share a special bond with our family, strengthened by our work together running a nonprofit established in memory of Brendan’s brother, dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families battling cancer. Holidays are especially meaningful to us and are spent gathered together in our home, filled with laughter, traditions, and time together. We are also fortunate to have our closest friends (our chosen family) nearby who further strengthen the loving, supportive community that would surround our child. Friends truly have grown to become family, so much so that two of Brendan’s closest friends asked him to be the godfather for their children.

 Our Home

We live in a quiet, close-knit suburb outside of Pittsburgh in a two-story brick home where family and togetherness are always at the center of daily life. Our neighborhood is filled with friendly neighbors who look out for one another and enjoy gathering together. Inside our home, a finished basement with a cozy movie-theater space is often filled with laughter during family nights and celebrations. In the warmer months, our in-ground pool becomes a favorite place for making memories with friends, family, and neighbors. Just across the street, a large park offers hiking and biking trails, as well as a ski area in the winter, giving our child endless opportunities for outdoor play and adventure. We also enjoy easy access to downtown Pittsburgh and all the culture, sports, and experiences the city offers.

 Our Journey to Adoption

We always value experiences more than things and immerse ourselves in the places we visit, whether nearby or far away. Our first trip together was a hiking adventure in Arizona, which set the tone for how we enjoy exploring—actively, curiously, and side by side. Since then, we’ve spent many weekends discovering local parks and hiking trails.

We share a love of skiing and have been fortunate to ski in many places across the US. In warmer months, we enjoy time at the beach, both relaxing in the sand and exploring the water through activities like snorkeling. Bike riding is another favorite pastime, and each year we look forward to discovering new trails. We are avid sports fans and love attending games with family and friends.
We cherish time spent boating on local rivers with our family. These adventures reflect the joyful, connected life we hope to share with a child.

 Fun Facts

About Melissa

Education
Bachelors Degree
Favorite Hobby
Cooking and baking
Favorite Sport
Football and Basketball
Favorite Music Group
Alanis Morissette
Favorite TV Show
The Pitt
Favorite Subject in School
Math
Favorite Tradition
Christmas festivities

About Brendan

Education
Doctoral Degree
Favorite Hobby
Playing guitar and skiing
Favorite Sport
Hockey
Favorite Music Group
Dave Matthews Band
Favorite TV Show
Sportscenter
Favorite Subject in School
Psychology
Favorite Tradition
Annual lake family reunion

Contact Melissa & Brendan

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