In the late 1980s, Bethany Steele’s birth mother, Kim Shelton, found herself unexpectedly pregnant. Already the mother of two sons and in the midst of a divorce, she was scared and unsure of what to do. She seriously contemplated abortion, but with the aid of a pregnancy help center, Kim lovingly decided to make an adoption plan for Bethany instead.

John and Elaine Steele lived in the same town. They already had an adopted son, Nathan, and were ready for another child. They welcomed Bethany with open arms. Bethany experienced nothing but love and acceptance from John and Elaine, but she always felt she was missing a part of herself. When she turned 18, Bethany decided to search for her birth parents.

Kim and Bethany were reunited a few months later amidst many hugs and tears. Not a day had gone by that Kim hadn’t thought of Bethany. During their first meeting, Kim told Bethany she had two brothers. Surprisingly, Bethany already had a connection to each of them. Bethany and Kim’s reunion has brought the Steele and Shelton families together. Both families have been greatly affected by this adoption reunion, a true testament to Kim’s loving decision to choose life and adoption.