Song Sung Blue Adoption Story

Neil Diamond fans rejoiced at the release of the movie “Song Sung Blue.” Based on the true story of the Milwaukee tribute duo known as Lightning & Thunder, the film stars Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman. After a modest run in theatres, the movie became a digital streaming hit for Focus Features and earned Kate Hudson an Academy Award nomination. The plot of this American biographical drama also includes a heartfelt story of adoption.

Understanding Song Sung Blue and the Sardina Family

Who are Mike and Claire Sardina?

The story – as told in the film – begins in 1987, when a young musician named Mike Sardina is set to perform at the Wisconsin State Fair. He refuses to go on stage after he learns he cannot perform his own material. As he is calling it quits, he sees Claire Stengl, a hairdresser by day and performer by night. Claire is getting ready to perform as Patsy Cline.

The following year, Mike and Claire cross paths again as neighbors. Claire suggests he takes “the Neil Diamond route.” He hears her sing and is immediately taken. The two decide to start performing together and later fall in love.

Rachel Cartwright’s Open Adoption Story

A Decision Made with Love

After a terrible accident leaves Claire struggling with her physical and mental health, Mike turns to blue-collar work. During this time, his stepdaughter – Rachel Cartwright – reveals she is four months pregnant.

After the release of the movie, the real-life Rachel Cartwright opened up about her family’s story with her local news station, revealing the challenge of facing an unplanned pregnancy at age 20.

“I still lived with my parents. I was going to school, going to college part time,” Cartwright said. “I really didn’t have a job, many prospects being an adult. I thought about having an abortion, I grew up Catholic, so for me, it was just something that I couldn’t go through with.”

Rachel chose to have an open adoption. When asked about the decision, she shared how difficult it was, even though it was the right one for her at the time.

“The hardest I had made up to that point and still in my life,” she said.

Meeting the Adoptive Parents

Since Rachel chose open adoption, she was able to meet her son’s adoptive parents while pregnant. They attended prenatal classes with Rachel and were there when the baby was born.

“We spent a couple of days together in the hospital, and they were able to take him home right from the hospital,” she explained.

Life After Placement: Rachel’s Ongoing Relationship with Her Son

What Open Adoption Looks Like Over Time

Rachel Cartwright has been open about her decision to place her child for adoption. She hopes that her story on the big screen can inspire others.

“There is so much hope and happiness in expanding somebody else’s family. It’s not as spoken about as it could be,” she said.

Thanks to open adoption, Rachel has been able to build – and maintain – a close relationship with her son, who is now 20 years old. The two celebrate birthdays and holidays. He attended her wedding as well as the Milwaukee premiere of “Sing Song Blue.”

“It was really cute. He shouted, ‘That’s me!’ When the baby came out and screamed,” Rachel explained.

Learn More About Open Adoption

How Song Sung Blue Honors Rachel’s Adoption Story

In “Song Sung Blue,” Mike asks his stepdaughter who she needs to help her, and she acknowledges that she needs her mom. Claire, who has been in the hospital, has a breakthrough and gradually rebounds both physically and mentally. She returns home by Christmas and helps Rachel through her pregnancy. Serving as a great source of support, Claire also helps Rachel through the adoption journey.

Filmmakers wanted to be sure they portrayed Rachel’s adoption story in the right light. She spent many hours on Zoom calls with “Song Sung Blue” Director Craig Brewer.

“I wanted to be sure that it was very positive,” Rachel said.

What the film did not include, however, was that Rachel’s son was just the beginning of her adoption journey.

“There’s a hidden twist to my story that you don’t know,” she explained in her interview. “In 2007, I had another baby.”

Rachel reached out to her son’s adoptive family once she was pregnant a second time.

“I made a phone call and said: ‘Do you want another baby?’ And they said ‘Yes.’ I knew how much they loved my son and how much they wanted another baby. I knew it was the right thing to do,” Rachel explained.

What Birth Parents Can Learn from Rachel’s Adoption Journey

Rachel Cartwright’s adoption story is an inspiring tale for anyone who is touched by adoption. For birth parents, they can look at this story and feel the deep love and devotion that Rachel has for her children.

The Importance of Support During Adoption

Rachel’s story can also serve as a great reminder that it is vital to have a strong support system for adoption. In the challenging time of an unplanned pregnancy, Rachel needed someone to ask what she needed most. Mike, her stepfather, was that person. He knew she needed support, and he was the first person she could turn to for support.

Claire, Rachel’s mother, was the person that helped her through the pregnancy and adoption journey. With the help of a trusted family member or close friend, the adoption journey can feel less lonely. It is also important to have a trustworthy adoption agency in your corner. This professional can make the adoption process easier.

How Adoptions With Love Supports Open Adoption Journeys

Adoptions With Love works with expectant/birth mothers like Rachel Cartwright around the country. Whether you have just learned you are pregnant, or you have already given birth, you can lovingly make an adoption plan that meets your needs. You can plan for an open adoption – or any type of adoption plan – that gives you a sense of peace and comfort.

With the right adoption agency, you can get the supportive care you deserve and move through the adoption process with the resources you need.

If you are considering adoption for your baby, reach out to Adoptions With Love today. We are here for you! We can offer you commitment-free information that will help you make an informed decision by exploring all of your options. Call 617-964-4357, text (confidentially) 617-777-0072, or contact us online.