area
FAMILY
selfless love
MY ADOPTION STORY WOR DS A N D P H OTOG R A P H Y : H A N N A H H E R ZO G
Hello! My name is Hannah Herzog. I am 23 years old, and I live in Osakis, Minnesota. I have been married to my wonderful husband for two years. I met my husband through an on-campus ministry called Chi Alpha on the campuses of NDSU and MSUM. I grew up in a small town on a dairy farm — I am convinced I had the best childhood. I was adopted into a Christian family ten days after I was born. I have two older sisters who are also adopted. I was adopted through Christian Adoption Services (formally known as Christian Family Life Services) of Fargo. For me, being adopted was just another piece of who I am like how my hair is blond and my eyes are blue. It was a very known fact to all my friends and family that myself and my two sisters were all adopted. We are all adopted from different families. To me, being adopted was an exciting thing to tell others as they were always curious to know more.
↑ Hannah Herzog with her adoptive parents.
Hannah Herzog and her husband.
I always knew I was adopted. I cannot tell you an exact time when my parents told me. I just have always known. This is one of the best gifts you can give your child. Total transparency on the fact that they are adopted. I have experienced when people have been told later in life that they are adopted, and this is the time that confusion can happen. Growing up, I did not know a lot about my birth family. I did not have a strong desire to ask a lot of questions. My parents were open with us asking questions if we did have them, but I really didn’t start wondering about them until I was quite a bit older (in high school). Every adoptee is different in wondering about their biological family. Myself and my two sisters are all different in the questioning we have about our biological family. Every adoption story has its own unique way and there is no “right” way that a story must go. I think a typical stereotype of adoptees is that they think they are unwanted or unloved because they were placed for adoption. I believe the exact opposite. I am loved double by my biological family and the family that adopted me. To me, it brings tears to my eyes knowing a family prayed for me to join their family and another family prayed that I would be given the best life possible. I am loved by a family that opened their arms, hearts and home to call me their own child. I am also loved by a family that gave me the gift of life and was willing to put their own desires aside to give me the best life that they thought they could.