Adoption a Dream Come True for Abingdon Woman

Lesley Morrissey of Abingdon always knew she wanted to adopt a child.

Seven years ago, Morrissey’s dream turned into reality when she brought 5-month-old Rosie into her home as a foster child.

National Adoption month in November was a time of reflection for her.

“I have a lot of exposure to the foster care system and just wanted to adopt that way,” Morrissey said.

She had been involved with Maryland’s Court Appointed Special Advocate programs, or CASA, helping to start Baltimore County's program and working with Baltimore City's program.

“I went into it knowing, obviously, what foster care means and believing in the foster care system,” Morrissey said.

After working with CASA, Morrissey decided to become a foster parent and made no secret of the fact that she was interested in adopting.

“Adoption is definitely something I have always wanted to do,” Morrissey said. “I adopted as a single parent, one of those people who hasn’t found Mr. Right.”

Rosie was not the first child placed with Morrissey. Shortly after she was trained as a foster parent, an 8-month-old boy named Kevin came to stay with Morrissey.

The experience was a difficult one, even though Morrissey was prepared, she said.

“We knew from the get-go he would only be staying for 30 days, but it was still very hard letting him go,” Morrissey said. “You do get attached—that’s the point.”

Not long after the boy left, Morrissey got a call about another child, this time a girl.

“Rosie was the second placement I had and she just stuck,” Morrissey said.

When Barbara Smith, Rosie’s advocate with CASA, started telling Morrissey about the girl, Morrissey was surprised to recognize the child’s story.

Morrissey’s friend had been fostering a girl named Jessica, who happened to be Rosie’s sister.

“It all just sounded very familiar,” Morrissey said.

Morrissey brought Rosie home as a pre-adoptive placement, although Rosie's birth parents had not yet terminated their parental rights.

Smith attended Rosie’s visitation with her birth parents, visited Rosie at Morrissey’s house and ultimately recommended the court terminate parental rights.

Both parents ultimately agreed to the adoption. After a stressful 13 months, Rosie became a Morrissey. Her friend was also able to adopt Rosie’s sister.

“In hindsight, it was probably as smooth as any adoption can be,” Morrissey said.

The adoption was an open one and Rosie gets together with her siblings—three older sisters and a younger brother and sister—several times a year. Morrissey also sends Rosie’s birth mother updates.

Now in first grade, Rosie is a happy and well-adjusted child, Morrissey said. She  is proud of the fact that she is adopted.

“It’s just part of her story and it’s very natural for her,” Morrissey said.

Although she is not her birth daughter, Morrissey said she is startled daily by how much Rosie is like her.

“I am a big believer that you get the child you are meant to have,” Morrissey said.