Melissa Moran and Cory Dammann were attending a family birthday party when they got an unexpected call from their social worker at Children’s Home and LSS. It was a call that would forever change their lives—a baby had been born the day before, and the birth parents had selected the couple to adopt the infant. Three hours later, they were holding their daughter, Weslie, in their arms.
Melissa and Cory’s start to parenthood was fast, emotional and intense. “We didn’t even have a crib,” said Melissa. “We didn’t have a name picked out.”
“I remember thinking, are we really doing this?” said Cory. “It was overwhelming—in the best way.”
After meeting at the hospital, Melissa and Cory agreed to a closed adoption with Weslie’s birth parents. Melissa and Cory honored that but sent occasional updates to the birth parents through Children’s Home. Months later, they received an email from the birth parents.
“They asked for photos, and we asked if they’d be comfortable exchanging phone numbers,” Melissa said. “Soon we were texting, sharing pictures, and having casual conversations—not just about Weslie, but about everyday life.”
Melissa and Cory have always been open with Weslie about her story. They keep a photo album with pictures of her whole family—including her birth parents.
“We want her to always know who she is and where she came from,” said Melissa. There’s nothing to hide—it’s her story, and it’s a good one.”
That story now includes a deepening connection with her birth parents. A relationship that began with uncertainty has grown into something deeply rooted.
“It wasn’t what anyone expected at first,” said Cory, “but it’s been really meaningful—for all of us. It feels like family.”
