Since it is unlikely that we will ever again see you personally, your natural mother and I would like to share some thoughts and feelings with you.

We’d like you to know that we love you in a way that is truly special, and reserved only for you for the rest of our lives. Not only do we have the joy which all parents feel when one as beautiful and healthy as you is born, but you have brought us something extra.

It is a bond which is created by separation from one who is dearer than life, itself, to us. It is the warm glow we will feel each time we think of you, and wonder what your life is like at that very moment. It is the gratitude that we will feel that God allowed us to have a part in your entrance to this world.

Perhaps, when you have lived a few years, you will understand that love can be demonstrated in ways that sometimes appear opposite of it.

I can only assure you that your mother’s willingness to endure the ordeal of childbirth, knowing that she would have to give you over to the care of others was an act of selfless love; and the most beautiful example of the true spirit of motherhood that I have ever personally witnessed. 

Since we don’t know how old you will be when your parents choose to let you know about this letter, it is hard for us to anticipate what we should offer you in explanation of our decision to release your guardianship. 

You should know that our family is one which has traditionally loved and cherished its offspring. We do not lightly regard the grave responsibilities of parenthood. We do not believe that one should ever avoid the trust which God bestows upon a mother or father (or even a grandfather).

But, as with almost every rule, we know there must sometimes be exceptions.

When it appears highly questionable that the circumstances of a child’s birth would allow her to have a secure, happy, and stable environment during her formative years, we think the parent should consider the situation very carefully.

If it is concluded that the child’s best interest is served by surrendering her for adoption, this appears to us the most loving and responsible thing to do. We decided tentatively on this course of action shortly after your mother’s pregnancy was confirmed by a doctor. At his recommendation, we contacted The Home of Redeeming Love. When we were satisfied that this was among the most reputable, compassionate, and professional of institutions, we entrusted them with finding you a suitable home.

As the months progressed, and especially after we had held you and known your beauty and helplessness, our hearts screamed to us to take you home and do the best job we could at rearing you properly and lovingly.

But this was not a decision of the heart alone. Our personal knowledge of similar situations persuaded us that it would be extremely selfish and careless to gamble unnecessarily on your future.

So it was with painfully mixed emotions that we decided to proceed with the original plan. There seems no guarantee of whether our decision was right or wrong. We could only choose the course of action which seemed most correct that day; and place the results in God’s hands.

We have tried to focus our thoughts on the joy and fulfillment your presence will provide your parents. We rest in the knowledge that every effort has been extended by the Agency to place you in a stable, loving, and happy home.

Think of us when you are happy; and feel the warmth that knowing this would give us. Think of us when you are sad; and know we would offer you solace and compassion, if we could. But most of all, think of us when you feel God’s loving presence most acutely; and, knowing that we are all One-in-Him, the comfort of His arms is that of ours.