MY NAME IS STEVEN and I am humbled and so happy

STEVEN
WHY I WANT TO BE A
DAD
Hello!
MY NAME IS STEVEN and I am humbled and
so happy you are considering me as a possible
parent to your child.
Learning about Nelson
Mandela in South Africa
I realize this must be a difficult and challenging time in your life and it may
be overwhelming. COURAGE, STRENGTH AND LOVE ARE THE FIRST
WORDS I IMAGINE WHEN PICTURING YOU IN MY MIND. Here’s what I
can say about me that may put your mind at ease: I have always wanted to
be a dad and I believe in my heart your child and I will have an awesome life
journey together!
I’ve spent my life helping raise my sister, being the best uncle possible to
my beautiful niece, and being a loving role model for children of my friends
and extended family. I’M BLESSED TO HAVE A LARGE COMMUNITY OF
CARING PEOPLE SUPPORTING ME ALONG THIS JOURNEY. We are all
excited to welcome your daughter or son into our family.
If reading these first words gives you a warm feeling and makes you smile
then I hope you will take time to know me better.
Along the way you will meet my family, my friends,
and my wonderful dog, Boone.
Hiking in Argentina
Since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed of adopting
a child and looked forward to the special
day when he or she looks into my eyes and
calls me ‘dad’. HELPING YOUR CHILD TO
LEARN AND GROW IS ONE OF THE MOST
REWARDING GIFTS OF FATHERHOOD. I
don’t have any preconceived notions of what
comprises a family as I have many wonderful
friends from single, straight, gay, and
interracial parents. I WAS RAISED PART OF
MY LIFE BY A SINGLE DAD, AND I THINK
HE DID AN AWESOME JOB!
My parents said to me as a child, “life is
full of promise and adventure.” I’ve lived
my life with these words in mind. I hope
you enjoy reading about me and hearing
from my friends and family. Carefully look
at my photos and you will develop a great
idea of the real me. I LIVE A HAPPY,
ADVENTUROUS, LOVE AND LAUGHTER
FILLED LIFE AND I’M SO EXCITED
TO WELCOME YOUR CHILD INTO MY
SUPPORTIVE AND FUN WORLD.
Thanks so much for considering me. I wish you
nothing but peace and happiness.
Steven
Elephant fun in
Meet my pal,
Boone
Africa
Hugs from the kids at an
African orphanage
Camping
t
with frie rip
nds
Photobombed
by a giraffe!
n at
Enjoying the su
MY CHILDHOOD
On a fun
desert hike
the beach
I GREW UP IN A SMALL TOWN IN KENTUCKY
WITH MY LOVING MOM AND DAD, MY
SISTER, A LARGE EXTENDED FAMILY,
MANY ANIMALS, AND LOTS OF FUN
NEIGHBORHOOD KIDS TO PLAY WITH.
We hiked, camped, swam at the lake, enjoyed
barbecues, canned vegetables from our garden,
and just enjoyed being kids. My mom taught
us about art, music, and the joy of cooking.
My dad and I spent time together repairing
cars, gardening, and working on construction
projects around the house. My sister and I grew
up with support, laughter and playing practical
jokes on each other. ABOVE ALL, WE ALWAYS
FELT LOVED, SECURE AND WE WERE
ENCOURAGED TO TRY NEW THINGS IN LIFE. After my mom died unexpectedly, my dad,
sister and I grew closer together and our bonds
even stronger. WHILE BEING RAISED BY
A SINGLE DAD, ONE THING THAT NEVER
CHANGED WAS GROWING UP IN A LOVE
AND LAUGHTER FILLED HOME with lots of
family, neighbors and animals for support. I
was fortunate to have many female role models
as a child. YOUR CHILD WILL ALSO HAVE
A DIVERSE MIX OF ROLE MODELS FOR
LOVING SUPPORT.
Camping at Cu
mberland Island
Emily on a choir
Congratulating
ne!
concert well do
with friends. I
,
Feeling the love from my amazing friends, Jon and Elaine
at their wedding
made an awes
Giving a lift to
ome meal!
a local boy in
Africa
My Work
From an early age, I was encouraged to learn and I worked extra jobs
to help pay for college. My family jokes that I never stop learning and I
suppose they are right. I have degrees in business, urban planning and
medical science. MY CURRENT WORK AS A PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
(PA) IS THE MOST REWARDING OF MY LIFE. PAs provide medical care
to patients under the supervision of a physician. Nothing brings me more
joy at work than educating and encouraging patients to help themselves
live long, happy lives. Sometimes my patients and I laugh, sometimes
we cry, but we always work together as a team. MY COWORKERS AND
ADMINISTRATORS ARE INCREDIBLY SUPPORTIVE OF MY DREAM TO
ADOPT, FOR WHICH I AM VERY GRATEFUL. I get paid to help people
stay healthy and happy...what’s not to love about that!
I learned the
values of
compassion,
caring and
patience and
to never take
anything
in life for
granted
Cookies for the staff at the orphanage
Fun with my buddies Emmanuel and Jon
In Washington DC with my great friend, Marci
WORDS FROM MY FAMILY & FRIENDS
I figure the best way for you to know me
better is through my family and friends.
I have an awesome family!
10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ME
1
2
I LOVE ANIMALS - I grew up with joy from many
different pets. Simply put, pets make me happy.
Pst...have you met my dog Boone yet?
I LOVE TO TRAVEL - I have many friends around the
world. I’ve visited 23 countries and five of the
seven continents. Asia and Antarctica are next on
my list. I suspect your child will need a passport
very quickly! 3
I LOVE MUSIC, ESPECIALLY LIVE - My favorite recent
concerts include Alabama Shakes, Avett Brothers,
Drake, Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Guster, Juanes,
Madonna, Mumford & Sons, Muse, Pink, Taylor
Swift and U2. I love taking my niece (Hannah) to
shows and singing and dancing. 4
VOLUNTEERING IS A PART OF WHO I AM - My favorite
non-profit groups are Open Hand (food), Habitat
for Humanity (housing), Medshare (medical
supplies), PALS (support for pets of the ill and
elderly), Atlanta Lab Rescue (dogs!). 5
I’M A PRACTICAL JOKER - Nothing makes me happier
than to hear laughter and see someone smile...
and yes, I can certainly take a good joke as well. 6
7
I LOVE COOKING - My mom taught me the art of
cooking without recipes, which can sometimes
make for a hilarious meal. Any dish with bacon
is sure to bring lots of smiles. The best part is
bringing my friends and family together around
the table to share stories and laugh. I ENJOY FISHING WITH MY DAD - I love spending this
quality time with dad, especially if he cleans the
fish we catch. :-)
8
I’VE HIKED PARTS OF THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL IN
GEORGIA, NORTH CAROLINA, TENNESSEE, VIRGINIA AND
PENNSYLVANIA - I look forward to reaching Maine
one day, hopefully with your child along for the
adventure!
9
MY FRIENDS ARE DIVERSE - I have a large mix of older
and younger friends, single friends and friends
with kids, gay and straight friends, black and
white friends and every ethnicity in between.
10 I’M A VERY GRATEFUL AND LOYAL PERSON - No list would
be complete without thanking my family and
friends for standing by my side no matter what.
They know I will do the same for them.
If there’s one person
in this world who deserves to be
a dad, it’s my uncle Stevie. He’s always
super fun, and does cool things with me like
riding roller coasters, hiking and playing games.
Stevie can make me laugh, but more importantly
he can cheer me up. He listens when I have a problem
and is always there for me with good advice. He’s been
my role model, too. I’ve always admired him for all of his
volunteering, how easily he makes friends, how he travels
the world, and how he always has fun in life. Stevie is why
I’m trying so hard to get into a good college like Georgia
Tech. He inspires me to go out and see the world, just like
him. He’s done many things for me, but most of all, he’s
been a great, trustworthy friend of mine, and I love
him. Stevie will be a wonderful dad, just like he
has been a wonderful uncle to me!
HANNAH, AGE 15
Steve is one of the most nurturing, kind,
empathetic human beings I have ever gotten the
pleasure to know. I’ve known him since I was a very
little girl, and he always makes it easy and natural to talk
and laugh with him. For example, even though my brother
can ramble about Pokémon or I can go on about the latest
school drama, Steve listens intently as though anything we have
to say is the most important thing in the world. He goes out of his
way to come to our school recitals and concerts, just to show he
cares and that he wants us to succeed. Steve has a great knack for
sensing our feelings and knowing when something is wrong. He
knows what you need and how to cheer you up. I believe this is
because he is always extremely considerate of others, putting
their needs above his own. Steve has been a great role
model for me and my brother through the years, and I
cannot possibly think of a person more deserving of
raising a child.
I had a wonderful weekend with
Uncle Steven! He buckled me into my car
seat and made sure I was secure. Sometimes I
get nervous on car rides and I cry, but Uncle Steven
kept me calm. I felt safe with him talking and playing
with me, and holding my hand. He changed my diaper and
double-checked it to make sure I would stay dry. Unfortunately,
the diaper was defective and I peed through my pajamas and
blankets! I woke up pretty upset. He helped with my diapers again,
and everything was just fine. He didn’t get discouraged or anything.
He likes to go on adventures too! Mommy, Uncle Steven, Simon (my
puppy), and I went on a walk through the redwood forest. He pointed
out different trees as I rode in the baby carrier with him. We also
went to our local farmers market and he helped pick out different
fruits and vegetables. I think Uncle Steven will be a great daddy
because he’s smart and caring. He took good care of me and
made me feel safe and happy. And, he’s funny, too! I can’t
wait to visit with him again soon.
GWYNETH, AGE 3 MO.
WRITTEN WITH A LITTLE
HELP FROM MY MOMMY
EMILY, AGE 15
Steve
likes to spend
time with us and that’s
fun. He is a very kind and
positive person. He is a very
caring and generous person. He
comes to see me play trumpet at
school and that’s awesome. I also
have fun playing video games
with him. We laugh a lot.
Steve will be a great dad!
ALEX, AGE 10
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Eating sushi with my
niece (Hannah) before
a Taylor Swift concert
My family took
me to see a horse
show for Christmas
s, Jeri
ing friend
One of my amaz
Enjoying the best
Philly cheesesteak
with my sister
(Janet) and my
niece (Hannah)!
Thanksgiving with
my family...
Hiking with my great frie
nd, Jim
Roller
coaster ride
with my
niece
I’m fortunate to enjoy the love and support of several
different families in my life; my blood family, my family of
friends around the world, and my friends with adoptive
children. I HAVE A HUGE VILLAGE OF FAMILY TO
LAUGH, CRY, PLAY, ENCOURAGE AND SUPPORT
EACH OTHER. I TRULY AM A LUCKY GUY.
We hike, camp, ride roller coasters, cook, play card games
and laugh. Taking my niece to Disney World is very
special indeed. Seeing her face light up with amazement
each time we visit is so much fun. She has grown into a
wonderful young woman and I am privileged to be her
uncle. With my family now living in Atlanta we are even
closer than ever. MY SISTER, BROTHER AND NIECE
Family gatherings are a special treat for me. I love visiting
ARE SO EXCITED TO WELCOME ANOTHER MEMBER
with my sister, niece, and brother-in-law (who I know
TO OUR FUN GROUP. simply as my brother), along with the rest of our family.
... which turned
into grandpa’s nap
time and a few
practical jokes!
FOR ME, FAMILY IS MORE THAN JUST BLOOD
RELATIVES. I have a huge group of friends, centered
at home in Atlanta, that feel just like my brothers and
sisters. Every one of my friends has embraced my
decision to adopt, knowing this has been my lifelong
dream. Each of my friends has offered a helping hand
along this journey. Most of my close friends have
children, so they understand the work involved in raising
a child. We all agree it’s work rooted in love.
I have a special group of friends in
Atlanta who are single and have adopted
children. These friends are a source of
advice, strength and inspiration. I feel like
the luckiest guy around to have such a
strong support network. Your child will be
surrounded by so many loving friends and
children to play with. THIS PLACE I CALL HOME
I can never
get enough of
these hugs!
Laughing with two of my best
friends and neighbors
A SPECIAL NOTE to my future child
Meet
Meet my buddy, Breeze
With my friend and her kids, showing off
artwork at a local restaurant
I live in an awesome neighborhood in Atlanta,
10 minutes from my office. Diverse, safe and
walkable are just a few words to describe the area.
MY NEIGHBORHOOD IS FULL OF CREATIVE,
PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE, WITH MANY YOUNG
CHILDREN AND FANTASTIC SCHOOLS. My home
is next door to a large park system with lots of trees,
open fields and playgrounds. Walking trails connect
the parks with neighborhood markets, shops and
restaurants. I walk to our community center to enjoy
At the farmer’s market with a
good friend’s baby, Gwyneth
art, music, yoga and theater. I love playing soccer across
the street from my home. ONE OF MY FAVORITE
THINGS IS CONNECTING WITH NEIGHBORS AT
OUR COMMUNITY GARDEN, AT THE FARMER’S
MARKET, OR WHILE WALKING MY DOG, BOONE. It
reminds me of the close ties I had with neighbors as a
kid. I live close to an incredible zoo, the world’s largest
aquarium, and an awesome children’s museum. I
purchased my home with adopting a child in mind and
I think your son or daughter will love growing up here! Boone
If he could speak, I think he
would say he lives a pretty
great life. Boone is a labrador
retriever found in the streets
of Atlanta. He needed
medical care during our
first three months together.
Luckily, my medical training
came in handy. We spent
many sleepless nights at first,
while also developing a close
bond. Now that Boone is
strong and healthy, what can
I say, he has turned out to be
one of the most loving, gentle
and fun animals I have ever
known. He loves giving kisses,
playing with kids and other
dogs, and taking long walks
in our neighborhood. Your
child is sure to have fun with
Boone around. Dear Daughter or Son,
I’m writing these words from Africa, after visiting an orphanage serving
children impacted by HIV. It’s incredibly hot, dry and dusty, but no one
seems to notice. The orphanage serves 100 kids with very few resources.
There is no air conditioning and the well providing clean water is luckily
working today. The kids’ needs are many, and I try to make a small
difference in their lives. Today a friend and I bring soccer balls, shoes and
supplies. We play soccer and frisbee, hug, laugh and take funny photos.
On Christmas Eve, I will return with food and treats to prepare a Christmas
meal for the kids for first time in many years. It’s an inspiring and humbling day, indeed. You see, this is the moment I
chose to write you for the first time. It’s a time for me to say hi even before
you are born. As you read this one day, you will understand how much
love surrounds and comforts you, just like a warm blanket in the winter.
Your birth mother was incredibly brave, caring and loving to entrust your
life to me. I promise you and your birth mother I will always share my
happiness, laughter, positive outlook, adventurous spirit, patience and
love for you every second of every day.
As my parents enjoyed saying to me, “life is full of promise and adventure.”
I will support and encourage you to dream big. When at times you fall, I
will be there to catch you. I promise to make your birth mother proud of
her decision in allowing you to join my fun-filled life adventure.
Love & hugs always,
Steven
thank
you
Thank you for taking the time to know me better.
I’m humbled you are considering me to be a dad to
your son or daughter. You have many profiles to read
and a very big decision to make. I can imagine it can
be overwhelming at times. NEVER FORGET THAT
COURAGE, STRENGTH AND LOVE ARE THE WORDS
I IMAGINE WHEN PICTURING YOU IN MY MIND.
I’ve known since an early age that I would be a great
dad some day and I’ve worked hard to make this dream
come true. My life is full of laughter, compassion,
adventure, and as my parents would say…“promise”.
I’m excited to share my wonderful world with your child
and to open her or his eyes to all of the possibilities that
life holds. To be honest, I can only think of one thing to
say as you consider your decision. YOU WILL KNOW.
You will know in your heart that I am the right fit for
raising your child after you read my profile, look at
my life photos, and hear from my family and friends.
You will take a slow, deep breath. With a big smile
on your face and warm, comforting feeling in your
heart… you will know.
Thanks again for your
consideration!
If you have any questions for me or would like to speak to
me about adopting your child please contact your Case
Worker at AdoptHelp by calling 1-800-637-7999, toll-free.