Easter 2025 will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Beyond the joy of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, it became a day of deep connection, gratitude, and love as we had the privilege of meeting Benjamin’s genetic parents, along with their two sweet daughters.
Benjamin’s story has always been marked by resilience. Born at just 25 weeks, he faced a mountain of challenges from his very first breath.
Those early days were filled with uncertainty, doctor visits, and fervent prayers. For months, our hearts ached and hoped as he fought through each hurdle with a strength far beyond his tiny body. Finally, after five long months in the NICU, we were able to bring him home. Looking back now, we see so clearly, how God’s faithful hand carried Benjamin, and us, through each step of that journey.
Our paths with our placing family first intertwined on May 5, 2023. That was the day we were officially matched through Snowflakes Embryo Adoption, a day we affectionately call “Baby Taco Day.” From that moment on, we began weaving together a relationship with Benjamin’s genetic family. Through emails, Facebook messages, and shared updates, we slowly built a bridge between our lives. There were words of encouragement, photos exchanged, and prayers lifted for one another. Even before we met face to face, we felt a bond growing, a sense that this connection was something uniquely orchestrated by God.
This Easter, that bond came alive in a way words can hardly capture. What was supposed to be a simple lunch quickly turned into three beautiful hours of rich conversation, heartfelt story-sharing and genuine fellowship.
We talked about everything from our church communities to the ways adoption has shaped each of our families. There was laughter, there were tears, and there was a tangible sense of God’s presence weaving our stories together in real time.
The sweetest surprise was watching the kids connect instantly, as if they had always known each other. The girls welcomed Benjamin with open arms, and before long, they were all running around the restaurant together, playing, giggling, and proudly calling each other “cousins.” It was such a pure reminder of how children see family not through labels or boundaries, but through love and belonging.
One of the most moving moments of the day came at the very end. As we prepared to say our goodbyes, the placing father asked if he could pray over Benjamin. We all bowed our heads as he lifted our son before the Lord, thanking God for Benjamin’s life and asking for His continued blessing and protection.
It was a moment that stopped us in our tracks—a reminder that Benjamin is surrounded by love, not only from us as his parents but also from his genetic family who cherish him deeply.
Walking away from that meeting, our hearts were overflowing. What started as an adoption journey has grown into something so much bigger. God has taken two families who were once strangers and knit us together in a way that feels like family. We are reminded that adoption is never just about biology or paperwork; it is about connection, grace, and the beautiful ways God redeems and restores.
This Easter, we celebrated not only the new life we have in Christ but also the new life God has given our family through Benjamin—and the incredible gift of extended family. We left with grateful hearts, knowing this was only the beginning of a lifelong relationship.
What a gift it is to witness how God’s love transforms strangers into friends, and friends into family.
Do you have an embryo adoption or donation story? Send your story and photos to us! Post them yourself via Facebook or email us your story and we will make it available on our Family Stories page, found on our website.
Email Paige@nightlight.org and help another family build their embryo donation or adoption story.
To learn about embryo donation and adoption, visit EmbryoAdoption.org.
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