Teen chooses adoption for her baby

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Updated: March 10, 2012 8:17AM

Dr. Wallace: I met this really nice guy at the restaurant where we both worked, and we had dated for over a year. He was born in Mexico and so was my father. I really loved him, and I thought he loved me, too. About six months ago, I found out I was pregnant. When I told Jose, he said we had to get married, and I thought he meant it because that was what I wanted to hear. About a week after I told Jose about being a father, he didn’t show up for work. And now, months later, he still hasn’t appeared at work. It took me no time to figure out that he has fled across the border and isn’t coming back.

I gave birth to a healthy baby boy and quickly signed papers to allow him to be adopted by a childless couple unable to have children.

I think you will tell me I did the right thing, but I’d like to read it in your column. The couple who adopted my son will be moving to Arizona and will stay in touch with me. I plan to stay out of my baby’s life until he turns 18, and then I pray we can have a wonderful relationship.

Adella, El Paso, Texas

Adella: You were placed in the most difficult position — a young teenage girl who was pregnant and deserted by the baby’s father. Making the decision with your mother’s guidance to have the baby and to give him to a loving couple was a wonderful choice.

You had several options, and you should feel very good that you did what was best for your son.

Write to Dr. Wallace
at rwallace@galesburg.net