I have often wondered what I would say if I was to see my daughter Devony’s birth parents. How would I act? What would I do? The perfect picture in my mind – if it ever was to happen- is all about love and my thankfulness to them.
If I ever was to get that chance, I would hope that it would be a time that was completely age appropriate for my daughter. She is just 11 and in middle school. This time for her is naturally confusing enough as it is. She is secure in the fact that her dad and I love her with all of our hearts. She enjoys her place in this family with an older brother and sister and a younger brother. She is confident. She is good natured. She has a witty sense of humor. She loves the Lord. She is super athletic – the fastest girl around (according to her coaches and her dad). She is a straight A honor student. She is perfect. She is my girl. Her dad would say she is his girl. My Dad – her Papa- would say she is his girl. She is our girl!
Thank you so much is what I would say to them. I would hug them and then look them in the eyes and I would say thank you. I would say it a million times over and that still would not seem like enough.
To her birth mom, in particular, because I met her and loved her the instant I met her – I would want her to know that I have thought about her daily for 11 years, 9 months and 5 days. I pray for you daily. I hope that you know and believe that the sacrifice of love you made all those years ago has fulfilled and enriched our lives so much that words cannot even describe it adequately. I pray your life is blessed and filled with love and laughter. Somehow, I have this great feeling that it is.
There are many things that we share. I know we share the same faith in the Lord. We share a mother’s heart and all the love that comes with it . And you have shared the most amazing child with me. I promised you that I would take care of her and I have always had you in the back of my mind when making certain decisions for her. I want you to be proud of how we have raised her.
I guess I don’t need to see them or say anything directly to them because my feelings are what they are. The love and respect for our daughter’s birth parents will remain there. And the heart felt gratitude that lies deeply within me will be there whether I ever have the opportunity to share it directly with them or not.
But if I ever was to see them, and I happened not to say anything to them because it was so unexpected… I would hope that somehow they would know how I really felt.