20-year-old single mom was heartbroken after placing son for adoption—his new family's surprise one week later changed her life
Giving up a child is rarely a choice made with ease — for many birth parents, it’s an act born of heartbreak and necessity. Years later, one mother’s loss turned into an unexpected reunion. 20-year-old Schauna Austin was a single mom and made the selfless decision to put her son, Riley, up for adoption, per CBS News. The family she had chosen was great and she knew her child would do well. Yet, she was a mother and her heart broke to separate from her son. The family understood how important she was in the boy’s life and ensured it remained that way with a beautiful surprise.
Recalling the time Riley was born, Austin said, "It was perfect.” She added that she’s held the newborn for 72 hours straight and loved every bit of it. "I knew I would have him for a short time, so I made every minute count. I didn't sleep for three days,” she recalled. Chris and Jennifer Schoebinger, adoptive parents of Riley, were happy to accept the boy as their own but also took note of the biological mother. They knew Austin had to be an instrumental part of his life. Moreover, they empathized with the single mom’s pain of being forced to be away from her child. Initially, there was limited interaction between the Schoebingers and Austin.
After a week, the adoptive parents knew what setting they wanted to follow in the best interest of the child. "It was like, ‘Okay, this is the way it should be. She was part of our family," Jennifer remarked. "You know, you can't have too many people loving you, right? Why couldn't he be both of ours?" Chris added. Their beautiful perspective turned into a plan of action. When Riley, who became Steven after being adopted, turned one year old, his adoptive parents sent Austin pictures and books with everything about their son. Call it a guidebook or a memory book, it was a way for the birth mom to stay updated and connected with her boy.
When Steven was 7 years old, the Schoebingers and Austin united to reveal to the boy about his birth mum. They got their fair chance to bond, make memories and hold onto each other with no regrets. This arrangement seemed to work perfectly. The adoptive parents had such a selfless and generous perspective that worked out brilliantly in uniting two worlds. Now 26 years old, Steven is still grateful to be intact with the couple and Austin.
"I kind of got the best of both worlds, for sure," he remarked. Austin says it's a blessing to be a part of his life while ensuring he has the best life. Now a married man and dad, Steven has a son of his own. To give it a perfect ending, the boy was named Riley. "I think the lesson we learned is that sometimes we create barriers where barriers don't need to be. And when we pull down those barriers, we really find love on the other side," Chris shared.