Adoption fills void caused by Slimak's ovarian cancer

By Sue Odegard

"There can never be too much love in your heart. There will always be enough left over to share."

Like the bounties of the autumn harvest, love abounds in the home of Steve and Diane Slimak of rural Clifton - with good reason. Their names are Levi and Alexis.

Surviving ovarian cancer left Diane unable to bear children. A teacher by profession, she was surrounded by youngsters, first at Westside Elementary School and then at Meyer Middle School.

When Diane learned she and her husband, Steve couldn't have children of their own, they decided to look into adoption. They began meeting with Jane Weber of Lutheran Social Services in Eau Claire.

"We stared with a home study," Diane said. "Then we wrote a cover letter, introducing ourselves. In a few paragraphs we tried to reflect who we were. After that, we put together a portfolio."

The cover letter and portfolio profile (containing pictures of their home, special interests, trips and scenes of their married life) were forwarded to a couple in Marshfield. Cathy, 26, and Eric, 23, were not married and unable to care for their unborn child. Cathy was 8 1/2 months pregnant when the Slimak's learned they would soon become parents.

"It all happened very quickly," Diane said.

After Levi was born on June 20, 1995, he was placed in a foster home until the parental rights of Cathy and Eric were terminated. When he was only 10 days old, Steve and Diane brought him home. Steve named him Levi.

"We correspond with the birth parents on a regular basis," Steve said. "Diane is very good about keeping them informed on how Levi is doing. They don't visit in person, but that is their choice not to."

Levi thrived in his new home and 2 years later, Steve and Diane decided they would like to try adoption again.

In her home town of Plum City, 16-year-old Missi was thinking she would place her unborn child up for adoption. Since the birth would take place in Eau Claire, she began counseling with Weber at Lutheran Social Services as well.

"I knew I was having a girl," Missi said. "During part of my pregnancy I was on bed rest. I started looking at the cover letters of possible parents and when I read Steve and Diane's, I just knew in my heart, they were the ones."

Steve and Diane met with Missi for the first time on July 1, 1997. On July 4, the Slimaks were introduced to Missi's extended family during a holiday gathering. Everyone got along very well.

"I liked the fact that the baby would have an older brother," Missi said. "I have a brother, so that was important to me."

On July 16, Missi gave birth to a girl. Her first choice for a name was Alexis. Steve's parents said they wanted the baby's name to be Alexis, without knowing it was Missi's choice as well.

"Everything seems to have worked out like that," Diane said. "There is such a level of trust between the two families. It's got to be God."

"I try to get here once every three weeks," Missi added. "If I can't, I write letters or send a postcard."

This story has a happy ending for those involved.

Steve and Diane have been married for 16 years. Steve grew up in Minneapolis and Diane (formerly Diane Erickson) is a native of River Falls.

Since adopting Levi and Alexis, Diane has given up her teaching position so she can be a full-time, stay-at-home mom. It's a blessing received from two sets of birth parents who loved their children enough to place them directly into the hearts of Steve and herself.

Steve is vice president of a floor covering business in Minneapolis. He is one of 130 employees and the company is expanding.

Missi is now a sophomore at Winona State University in Winona, Minn. She is studying to be an elementary school teacher with an emphasis in special education.

Alexis likes eating popcorn and playing with her puppy. Levi enjoys building things with Legos.