Guest Series. Q & A with a birth dad.

As Case Manager, I had the opportunity of being part of a birth father reconnecting with his daughter after 18 years. He shared parts of his story below. Unfortunately, I do not get the chance to work with birth fathers as much as I would like to. Sometimes they are unknown or they are scared to be part of the process. 
- Destrie Overmoe, LSW

Q. What was your role as a Birth Father at that time?

My role was not nearly as difficult or mentally taxing as [the birth mom’s]. And I carried a lot of guilt, shame and downright worthlessness about not being a man. I could not speak of it to anyone because I thought I was not being a man.
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This isn’t an uncommon feeling for birth parents. The thought of not being ready or able to raise a child is sometimes mistaken for weakness. We encourage birth parents to know that adoption is a responsible and brave choice.

Q. Did you participate in counseling?

One time for me.

One meeting is sometimes all we have with birth fathers. As an agency, we strive to be inclusive of birth fathers.
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Q. What did the weeks following the adoption look like for you?

I never grieved. With death there is a degree of closure. With this there never was closure. I just kept moving along because it [helped] me cope. But there were a lot of times throughout the years where something or a word stops you in your tracks…

​Q. How have you come to find joy in your decision?

The day I saw [my daughter] walking towards me with a huge smile. I was prepared to bawl like a little child. Instead we hugged and 18 years of the worst feelings I have been carrying about me disappeared. Neither of us shed a tear. Hearing her say she never even had one thought of hate or anything negative towards me, only one word comes to mind. Forgiveness! 

...we hugged and 18 years of the worst feelings I have been carrying about me disappeared. ​​

Openness is something that wasn’t as prevalent 18 years ago, as it is today. We see a lot of healing happen when birth families, adoptive families, and the adoptee can maintain a relationship.

Q. Talk about communication and openness you have with the adoptive family.

[My daughter’s] parents are absolutely the kindest, nicest people I have met. Her mom and I have gotten to know each other and trust each other. I just really respect them both!

Q. How did the adoptive family support and help you?

Her mother has given me countless pictures and stories of [my daughter] growing up and has made me feel like I’m a part of her. I cannot thank them enough for how they have welcomes me into their lives. 

Q. What advice would you give birth fathers going through this process?

Be honest with yourself. I never spoke to anyone how I was feeling. Do anything and everything you can do so one day that child will know you have always cared. ​

-CAS Birth Father (​placement about 18 years ago)
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For more insight into the role of birth father's, see the links below:
-Newsletter Focused on Birth Father
-Birth Father Video