WKRN, Nashville, Tennessee News, Weather and Sports |Mother's Day holds special meaning for adopted teen mom

Mother's Day holds special meaning for adopted teen mom

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Mother's Day this weekend will have extra special meaning for one Clarksville family, because a recent adoption means a teenager and her own daughter now have a loving home.

"It was a great feeling. I never thought I'd ever have it again," said Audree Hite, who was recently adopted.

Her adoptive mother Christina Hite said, "It's just hard to express. We just connected, almost like a spiritual connection."

Audree was a foster child at Phoenix Homes Treatment Foster Care. 

She became eligible for adoption, and on February 3 of this year, with encouragement from Christina's family, the adoption became a reality.

Christina said, "I asked my daughters, my biological daughters, if it was okay if we brought in another child, and they said, 'Who was it?' and when we told them, they just laughed and said yes, actually it was, ‘Heck yes!'"

"It's like an unconditional love. It's something I've never really felt. I have a permanent family now," Audree said.

Audree became pregnant, through what she would describe as a horrifying personal experience, but it resulted in a gift -- her daughter, Graycee.

She continued, "I chose to keep her, fully knowing all the responsibilities, and all the support I had made me think I could do it, and I have."

The Hites have a Mother's Day message for those pondering adopting a foster child.

"If you have a heart for children, don't hesitate," Christina said. "Call the local DSC office, please, and do what you can to help a child in need."

Audree said, "I'd say do it. It helps a lot of kids whether they're 16 or 2. It helps them."

There are some 8,000 children in foster care in Tennessee.

For more information, visit PhoenixTN.org.