FARMINGTON, Minn. (KTTC)-- Mother's day is a time to appreciate all that moms do for their families, but for the women who cannot have children and are lucky to adopt, the holiday brings a whole new meaning.
"Mother's day means the world to me now, and it's all thanks to Julie and this open adoption. It's just a true blessing that we're a family with him," says adoptive mom Jenni Taylor.
Mason is Julie Degnan's birth son. But at age 41 and with two teenage children "really wasn't wanting to maybe start all over," Degnan says.
With a faltering relationship and financial concerns, Julie knew Mason would be better off with another family. And the easy decision read loud and clear.
"I didn't realize how well we would mesh, picking a profile. But it's absolutely been incredible. I mean, they accept my kids as Mason's step-brother and step-sister. It's incredible, exclaims Degnan.
"He's always going to know the story; that is a very important part of his life. That he's going to know what a courageous person Julie was and what she did for him and for us," says Taylor.
Julie never lost a son, and both mothers extended their families. And that they say is the best Mother's Day gift they can have.
The two families have become so close that the Taylors were the first people on the guest list for Julie's upcoming wedding next week. As for the Taylor family, they're ready to increase their family size and are currently looking to adopt another child through Lutheran Social Service.
