Tummy Mommy and Heart Mommy

On becoming a HeartMommy. After four years of infertility treatments; four pregnancies, one ectopic and emergency surgery; I had an epiphany; I wanted a child. This did not mean I had to torture my body, mind and soul. I did not have to terrorize my husband with moods and drain my bank account for “maybe next cycle” or “you’re getting pregnant, this is a good sign.”

So, with complete faith, I started the adoption process. Within 2 months, I was selected by my son’s birthparents, and was a mother on December 26th, 2002. Garrett, a healthy, amazing boy-my child!

Another four years have passed and I have found my passion at the age of 41. My passion is the support and education of people about adoptions. And, it is the support and education of birthmother’s. With this comes the creation of two entities. One is HeartMommy and the other is the KO Foundation.

Kim O’Berry, my son’s birthmother dubbed me the HeartMommy and her the TummyMommy.  After Garrett was born, I started drawing doodles and created what represented the Heart and Tummy Mommy to me. I have carried the doodle on a sticky note, in my wallet for years. It reminds me that I am the honored person who gets to be with my son daily, enjoy his amazing spirit and see him blossom.

After moving to Asheville, North Carolina and meeting so many creative people I got up the courage to talk about my idea for a company based on this idea of the HeartMommy.  At a dinner party, I met a new friend Suzanne. She shared with me that her daughter was adopted and without a thought, I showed her my doodle.  Her response, “So, what are you going to do with it?” Well, it shocked me. What was I going to do with it? Strange how these epiphanies come at the most unobvious times!

So again with complete faith in the unknown, I started the pursuit of the business HeartMommy.com. The doodle has become a piece of jewelry I designed. It was made into a necklace by a jeweler, also a HeartMommy, in Asheville, NC and will be available online starting November 1, 2007.

Additionally, Kim and I have founded the KO Foundation. This foundation will offer support to birthmothers after placement of their child. Our goal is to have scholarships and financial aid for these mothers who want to further their education or vocation.  Additionally, I want there to be a support group for this often forgotten group of amazing women. Part of the proceeds from HeartMommy will support the KO Foundation.

It is my life's work to help those in need. It is my passion to create and give back to my world.  I am so excited about the future! What a wonderful place to be.