Meet the Families

We met through a mutual friend when we were in our early 20s. We both lived in Boston and were friends for nearly a decade before we started dating. We both loved music and decided to start a band – Tom played the bass and Bridie sang and played keyboards. It wasn’t long before we both realized we were perfect for each other and quickly fell in love!

We married in 2014 and bought a house, which we fixed up together and made into a loving home. We knew we wanted to start a family and decided that Tom’s hometown was the perfect place for kids to grow up; it has good schools, beautiful outdoor spaces to explore, a tight-knit community, and both of our immediate families live close by. Tom loves to go jogging on the local trails and Bridie spends a lot of time painting local landscapes.

We love to do things together like make music, garden, hike, cook, and watch Red Sox games. We also have our own interests which one another supports: Bridie goes to all of Tom’s marathons, and Tom supports Bridie’s art.

Bridie’s Story

I’m from the Boston area and spent a lot of summers in western Massachusetts where I learned to appreciate nature and beautiful outdoor spaces. Music and art have always been extremely important to me, and being in a band is how I fell in love with my husband, Tom. Both singing and painting bring me great joy and challenge my inner creativity. Over the years, I have worked for a variety of non-profit organizations including several that care for the sick and elderly, and another that operates affordable summer programs for inner-city youth.

I just received my bachelor’s degree after a nearly 20-year hiatus from higher education. My career goal is to become a certified art teacher in the public-school system and receiving my bachelor’s brings me one step closer. When I’m not making art I garden, go on nature walks, metal-detect, go bowling, play ping-pong, and cook. I can’t wait to be a mom and share my love of all things creative with my new son or daughter!

Adoption is especially meaningful to me because my mom was adopted.  Her journey has shown me what a special experience adoption can be, and that there is no one way to be a family.  Hers was a closed adoption, and if she had been able to know her birth parents, I think it would have greatly benefited her. That is partially why we are seeking open adoption and hope you will be an on-going part of our new family’s life.

Tom’s Story

I was born and raised in a small town and today share a house there with my beautiful wife, Bridie. My parents still live nearby with one of my brothers, who has special needs. My other brother lives in the neighboring town with his wife and young daughter. I visit with all of my family at least once a week.

For half of the week I take the train to Boston for my job coordinating media and technology at a busy research center, where I’ve worked for over 16 years. My job is never dull; I’ve helped dozens of scholars produce, publish, and promote work centered around the experiences of peoples of African descent (both historically and currently). I love being able to work with scholars and learn something new every day, and am proud that our work strives to make society a more equitable place.

The other half of the week I work from home (our cat, Jinx, keeps me company on those days). In my spare time I enjoy music, movies, long distance running, and fishing with my recently-retired father.

I play guitar and, several years ago, was lucky to join a band where Bridie was the lead singer. We met to rehearse several times a week and it didn’t take long to fall in love with her. She’s truly my best friend and the love of my life, and I know she’ll make a wonderful mother.

Family

Bridie has a very small immediate family – it’s just her and her mom! Because Bridie was raised by a single mom (who is a super mom!), they have stayed essential to each other’s lives to this day; they spend several days a week together going on walks, listening to music, and birdwatching.

Tom has a larger family which has embraced Bridie and her mother with open arms. His parents and older brothers live nearby, and several aunts and uncles and cousins live throughout the state of Massachusetts. Everyone gathers for holidays, and – as an athletic family – they frequently gather to support each other’s sports endeavors (from soccer to hockey to running to badminton).

All of our family is just as excited as we are to welcome a child. Grandmas and Grandpa are looking forward to baking and fishing with their new grandchild, family trips to Fenway Park, and fun times at the local pool. Uncles can’t wait to share their old toys, and our 5-year old niece is excited to have a cousin!