The Browns Adopt Rodney, Christopher & Joshua
Adrienne Brown Shares Their Story at the Philadelphia Wednesday’s Child Launch

Thank you. I'm delighted to be here today, to share what is really a love story.

I believe in love at first sight. After all, my husband, Gene, and I experienced it – three times.

The first time: Gene had been injured and was in the hospital. While recuperating, he watched a lot of news. One day, he saw a segment of Wednesday's Child featuring seven-year-old Rodney and nine-year-old Christopher. They captured his heart.

At the time, we were planning to adopt, but were still going through the home study. After we completed the process, a caseworker called us in. She said there were two siblings she wanted us to consider, and handed us a videotape. When we got home and watched it, my husband blurted out, "These are the kids I wanted! I saw them in the hospital!" The caseworker had given us the Wednesday's Child segment of Rodney and Christopher.

From that moment on, Rodney and Christopher were in our hearts. It wasn't long before they were in our home, too.

A few years later, I was getting ready for church one Sunday morning. The television was on, and the local news was repeating the weekly segment of Wednesday's Child. After seeing 10-year-old Joshua, I turned to Gene and said, "I want this child. This child is ours." Again…instant connection. Love at first sight.

Now, Christopher is 18, and Rodney and Joshua are both 16. Over the years, they've grown so much – not just physically, but emotionally. They are great kids…they really are. They know that they can accomplish and do anything they want. They understand responsibility and commitment. And they know what family means.

Wednesday's Child brought our family together, and for that I'm very thankful. Because I love my kids more than I could ever say. Wednesday’s Child will reach thousands of people in the greater Philadelphia area. I hope many will open their hearts to a child. Because there are probably a million ways you can change the world. But the best way is to love a child that needs a family and a home. To encourage them, and help them grow into responsible, caring adults. And in doing so, you grow too – in ways that you can't even begin to imagine.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my family's story. And thank you, Freddie Mac Foundation and NBC 10, for helping children and parents make that connection.