A mother and daughter’s stories of teenage pregnancy and adoption part 2: Kiara’s open adoption in 2017

Teenage pregnancy and adopting out is an emotional and heart-wrenching experience for all involved. But when Kiara Williamson found herself as a pregnant teenager in 2017, her experience was much different than what her mother, Heather Andrews, had experienced two decades before. In this second part of a two-part series, Kiara shares her own pregnancy and adoption story. And unlike her mother, Kiara had the support of family, friends, and her then-boyfriend. She was even able to place her baby girl in an open adoption and continue to be an integral part of her child's life!  Empowered by her journey, Kiara is helping others find their “Birth Mom Tribe” at TikTok, Instagram, and on Facebook. The juxtaposition between these two stories highlights the importance of nonjudgmental support, the danger of cultural shame, the power of communication, and the importance of tapping into your own personal power.  Even though we live in challenging times, we can become 'Relentlessly Resilient' as we lean on and learn from one another’s experiences. Hosts Jennie Taylor and Michelle Scharf are no strangers to overcoming adversity; Michelle lost her husband to cancer, while Jennie’s husband, Major Brent Taylor, was killed in the service of our country. Their stories bond them together, and now listeners can join them weekly as they visit with others enduring challenges and who teach us how they are exercising resiliency, finding value in their grief, and purpose in moving forward.  Presented by Minky Couture, makers of the most luxurious and soft blankets with a mission to share comfort and love during the special moments of life. Listen to the Relentlessly Resilient Podcast regularly on your favorite platform, at kslpodcasts.com, kslnewsradio.com, or on the KSL NewsRadio App. Join the Resilience conversation on Facebook at @RelentlesslyResilient and Instagram @RelentlesslyResilientPodcast. Produced by KellieAnn Halvorsen.