I've watched American Idol since I was a kid. I remember watching it with my parents when I was younger, and now that it's back, Austin and I watch every season! We like to laugh at the 'not so good' singers, and we marvel at the great ones! We offer our own critiques, and we love watching Lionel, Katy, and Luke go back and forth with one another.
American Idol auditions are known to have plenty of back stories that pull at your emotions, but there was one this week that left me crying like a baby!
Austin and I were behind two episodes and got caught up a couple nights ago. We watched the final audition episode first, and there was a contestant who caught my attention. Amber Fiedler. Amber walked in with her bright red hair and a big smile on her face. She was obviously pregnant and revealed that she was due in just two weeks! Katy Perry asked the gender. Girl. Then she asked if Amber had a name chosen yet. This is when Amber explained that she was actually placing the baby for adoption.
Cue tears! Austin looked at me instantly because he knew what was coming.
Amber explained that she was raised by her grandmother and had had a rough life. She knew she was not ready to be a mother, so she felt adoption was the best choice for the child. She went on to sing her audition song, she did a fantastic job, and she got the gold ticket to Hollywood!
Austin and I watched the first episode of Hollywood week next. Amber sang toward the very end of the episode. This episode was filmed just three weeks after she gave birth. She came on stage, and the judges asked how she was doing. Then we saw the most precious photos of this young woman with a beautiful baby girl. She explained what a joyous moment it was to see her daughter with her adoptive family. She broke down in tears in her interview and said the baby girl brought a lot of light to her life.
Y'all. I broke down. Like hands covering my face, shaking, tears streaming, broke down. Austin paused the tv as I wept.
I've been on the other side. I've been the adoptive mom excitedly and happily holding my new baby boy! I've met the woman who placed him with us. I've communicated with her for over a year now. I can't begin to fathom the pain, but I know it's there.
I beg each person who reads this to please open the link I'm copying below and watch the videos of Amber Fiedler on American Idol, especially the first video in the article. Watch the pain on her face as she breaks down into tears. Imagine all the emotions. I'm going to pause my writing. I'm putting a link here next, and I'm going to go watch it again myself. Please go do the same and then come back and finish reading! (You may have to actually copy and paste the link into another window!)
https://www.liveaction.org/news/pregnant-american-idol-contestant-adoption/?fbclid=IwAR3kMts3aE5tBphS74QBxeKNb2WSljfu3bdPlsnLbYWpdju7pyx_3ZiMobo
Did you see the love on her face in the photos with the baby? Did you see the pain as she cried? What you just witnessed is one of the most selfless acts of love imaginable. She chose life for her baby girl, and because of the state of her life, she didn't feel she would be able to provide the life that little girl deserved, so she chose adoption.
I will preach this until my dying day: adoption is BEAUTIFUL! It's so full of pain, grief, and loss, but it's full of joy too. I sat there on my bed, with my husband next to me, tv paused, and I wept. And to tell you the truth, I'm crying again right now. I watched this beautiful young woman pour her heart out on national tv, and all I could do was think about our precious 'Mama A.' I thought about that day when I hugged her in a hospital room in North Carolina, and I so badly wanted to wrap her up in a hug right then.
I pray Amber Fiedler is an inspiration to other women going through a similar situation. I pray she inspires others to rise up, just as she sang so beautifully. I pray other women who have already placed a child for adoption see her strength and are able to find their own. I pray young women considering adoption will do what's best for their unborn child. I pray adoptive families will see this and be reminded of the immense love it takes to do what Amber Fiedler, 'Mama A,' and so many other women have done. I also pray that all who aren't personally impacted by adoption and may have a negative view of birth mothers will watch this and see the selflessness involved.
I love our sweet 'Mama A.' I hope and pray she feels the love of Jesus through us and that she continues to find peace and joy through pictures of Caleb. (I mean, who couldn't?! He's perfect!) And I also hope Amber Fiedler wins this season of American Idol and goes on to achieve great things!
So as this season of American Idol continues, I can guarantee you there will be more tears from me! At least as long as Amber Fiedler continues!
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