Pictured at the 2019 Circle of Hope Gala with Eric and his parents are his grandparents Dwayne and Lilia Fischer and German & Fran Von Thal.
Beginning the adoption process, we were hopeful, but also careful to choose the right agency to guide us. Throughout interviewing, we realized that there were big differences in the agencies, sometimes leaving us feeling ungrounded and worried about the emotional risks – until we found HFS.
HFS was the ONLY adoption organization we interviewed that was truly providing a “service.” Not only were they looking out for the best interest of the child, but they also nurtured and supported the birth and adoptive families. We were so impressed with the amount of time they spent counseling the adoptive parents to ensure the choice they were making was the correct one. HFS was extremely thoughtful and sensitive throughout every step of the process, making the decision to go with HFS an easy one. We were very grateful to have found an agency with integrity, as well as a huge heart!
In September, we received a call from our HFS social worker that we were one of the families being considered to adopt a newborn baby boy, which left us both excited and nervous as we awaited the second call. Several days later, on a very memorable Thursday afternoon, we received notice that we had been selected and could go to the hospital the next day to meet the birth mother and our baby boy. At the request of the birth father, HFS worked with both the birth family and our family to modify the process so that we could bring home the baby immediately. A whirlwind of activity and excitement that evening allowed us to acquire all of the necessities to welcome a newborn baby into our home.
Fast forward ten years, Eric is a very happy, healthy, and well-rounded young man. He is well liked in school by classmates and teachers, and has a slight tendency to be a class clown. He has a sparkle in his eyes when he smiles, and easily charms those around him. Eric has taken to the guitar and has even started to play some songs by ear. Eric loves chess: he’s not only involved in a chess club after school, but also regularly plays in tournaments. Eric plays several organized sports and has been fortunate enough to make the All-Star teams in both soccer and his favorite sport, baseball. He is also well-traveled for a young 10-year-old. WE ARE BLESSED AND GRATEFUL TO HAVE ERIC IN OUR LIVES. And thankful for the nurturing support of HFS.
Mark and Sandra Fischer
