About Us

We met in 1996, when we were at university in England (Sam is English, Larry is American). We've been together ever since and have lived in a great New York City neighborhood for the past nine years. A few years ago we celebrated our partnership with over 100 friends and family members! We have stayed close to both our families, visiting Alabama and London regularly, and both families are tremendously excited to welcome a new child. In addition, we have close friends in New York with young children and often spend time with our goddaughter who entered one of friends families through adoption...So our voices are perfectly attuned to reading bedtime stories!

Speaking of reading, our home is full of books, as we both love to learn about new things. Education has been a big part of our lives as has fighting for values of equality that we both care about: Larry is in education and social work, and Sam works as a director at a social justice organization. But we're not all seriousness! We enjoy nothing better than an afternoon with our goddaughter playing princesses and castles or ice-skating, or teaching our nephew how to hit a home run, or dancing crazily at a friend's birthday party, or posing for a funny photo in Moscow or one of the many other great places to which we've been lucky enough to travel. We work at getting the right balance between being serious, creating opportunities for ourselves, our family and our community, and knowing when to kick back and relax.

Of course, we differ in many things-Sam is very energetic, always trying to make something happen and planning dates and events in a calendar, while Larry delights in life's simpler activities, like testing out carrot cake recipes or doing the Sunday crossword, and an easier pace. But this complementary energy has worked well for us, and will help us provide a balanced and supportive environment for a child. When we adopt, Larry plans to be a stay-at-home dad.

We grew up with loving families that supported us, and we can't wait to offer a similar upbringing to a child.

Larry about Sam

Without a doubt it is Sam's generosity that first attracted me. After our first, date he bicycled across town to deliver a book I needed. Id like to think his attraction to me inspired this, but I now recognize that it was more likely his desire to help others when he can. Sam's passion for his work, fighting for the rights of people who are oppressed, is a natural part of his character and one that inspires me and everyone who witnesses it, and it will be a cornerstone in building our family.

Sam's encyclopedic knowledge of geography, history and many other topics was born with his great passion for reading, at an early age. His childlike sense of wonder is apparent on an almost daily basis. This excitement, in addition to keeping our life full of new sources of art, music, dance, and travel, will also bring to a child the precious treasure of awe.

With a frequent and infectious desire to dance, Sam quickly switches off his serious side and his ability to be embarrassed, and becomes the life-loving soul of a party. It is this capacity that will make Sam the greatest dad. Sam's genuine appreciation for all aspects of life will ensure that no matter our child's interests, talents and pursuits, he'll be a terrific father, enthusiastically supportive whether seated in the recital hall or up in the bleachers.

Sam about Larry

I met Larry when he was just twenty years old, and the qualities that made me fall in love with him then are still the qualities I love.

Larry is principled and caring, with a willingness to stand by what he believes-as a Quaker, for example, he is strongly pacifist. He is fiercely loyal to his family and friends. He takes pleasure in the small things in life-reading a good mystery, bowling a strike, talking with friends, or (my favorite) cooking the best food!

His love for children shines through when he hangs out with his nephew and niece, Stewie and Tricia, or helps soothe a friend's crying baby. He is a totally hands-on and doting uncle and godfather to the young children in our lives. His ability to support children through the transition into adulthood is the hallmark of his work as a high school counselor.

Larry's life experiencehe grew up in small communities in Alabama, with a family that encouraged him to be all he could be, and where he was the first in his family to go to college-helps him understand the hopes and aspirations of others. I know that he will make an incredible father-doting at all the right moments, supportive in tough times, and challenging a child to be the best and to stand up for what is right and right for him or her.

Friends and Community

We love where we live, on a tree-lined street in Brooklyn, New York. Our neighborhood can feel like a small-town-children play ball in the streets, and we have a park nearby-and our neighborhood is diverse with long-time residents of many ethnicities. There are also many families with two dads-so we know that we won't seem like the odd-ones out. We are lucky to have lots of friends living near us, including many with young children. Our neighborhood also includes a children's bookstore and a local YMCA with a swimming pool and extensive children's programs only a few minutes walk away. And our local schools are great. We also live only thirty minutes by subway from Manhattan with its museums, parks, shows and cultural life.

Travel

Travel has been a big part of our lives-both to visit our families in England and in the South, but also all around the world. Discovering new places, with friends and family-from Paris to Peru, from Venice to Venice Beach, from Ireland to Istanbul-has always been among the highlights of every year. We look forward to continuing to explore the world, sharing it now with a child.

Thank You!

Our life together is a blessed one, and we want nothing more than to begin our family. With a keen desire to share our love, zest for life, and adventurous senses of exploration, we dream of opening our hearts and home to a child. While we cannot begin to grasp the complexity of feelings you must be experiencing now, we know that your brave considerations of making an adoption plan is driven by the unconditional love that only exists in a parent for his or her child. Thank you for taking the time to get to know us a bit. Should you choose us as adoptive parents, we promise to approach the gifts and challenges of parenting with an enthusiasm unmatched by any other aspect of our lives. We eagerly welcome the chance to speak further with you about your desires for an adoption plan.

To learn more about us, please call Friends In Adoption at 1.800.982-3678

With sincere thanks,
Sam and Larry