I have a beautiful story to share. This story shows how adoption WORKS.
In June of 1979 I placed my son into adoption through the Edna Gladney Center . This was in a time when adoption was CLOSED – no contact after the papers were signed.
I was 17 years old and wanted the best for him. I felt at my age (and previous life experiences) I would not be able to give him the unconditional love and mature care that I wanted him to have. It was the hardest decision in my life. I held him when he was 3 days old with tears in my eyes, kissed him on his cheek and told him I loved him with all my heart.
My life went in many directions after that – Some good, some not so good – I thought about him all the time. I prayed that he was alright and the family that had adopted him was one that was able to give him everything I dreamed of.
As the Internet came, I found a lot of information about adoption and one site in particular where they have a FREE database you can post to – TxCARE – I posted the following information:
06-19-1979 Ft Worth
Birth Parent In Search
ORIGINAL: I had a son born at Duncan Hospital - Edna Gladney
He has a sister that is 3 years older than him adopted from Gladney as well
I would love to meet him. Lots of information to share.
((email address here))
In August of 2003 – I received an email from this post at 1pm – by 11:30 PM – it was confirmed that we had a connection. My son Brian had emailed me!
He shared the following with me:
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude from the bottom of my heart for giving me the gift of life. You made the best decision for me. I have been given everything that I could possibly need in life. Two loving parents a great sister and a wonderful childhood. I grew up how every child should, with unconditional love.
We continued to email each other for 8+ months, then Brian and his family invited me to his college graduation!
What a blessing! I flew up to Illinois and met Brian’s family. His parents are kind and loving – they welcomed me with open arms. I have a tremendous amount of love and respect for them. This whole experience would not have been possible without the support and love of Brian’s parents. These types of situations can go in many different directions if everyone doesn’t approach it with respect and care for each other. I respect the family that Brian has – this is a blessing.
This past Mother’s Day – Brian, his Mom and Dad flew to Dallas. What an incredible gift – We spent the day having brunch and went to my sister’s house. There, Brian and his family gave me a gift. His baby shoes bronzed!
Needless to say, Adoption works – it has worked well in this particular group of people. It has worked because of the support and love of others in and outside of this triangle. It has worked because we all approached it with goodness in our hearts and respect for each other.
What a MIRACLE! - here's a photo of us: http://www.texasgirl.com/brian.jpg :D :D :D
