Today was a bittersweet day for me. Today I assisted in the competion of my granddaughter's adoption. My daughter came to me 37 weeks ago and told me that she was pregnant for the 4th time and she hoped I would not be angry with her, but she was going to put the baby up for adoption. She told me that she was not in any position to care for another infant and that she had made this decision as soon as she found out she was pregnant. I supported this decision and helped her find an adoption agency and choose the parents for her baby. During the pregnancy my daughter had several difficulties, including, chronic placental abruption and preterm labor. She was on bedrest for several weeks during the pregnancy. When she was 36 weeks, her ob did an amniocentisis for fetal lung maturity. The results came back positive. She was scheduled for a repeat C-section for friday. She contacted the adoption agency and invited the adoptive parents to come to the hospital for the birth. I was the nurse and was able to share both the joy of the adoptive parents and the sorrow of my daughter and family. Today the adoptive parents took their new daughter home. My daughter and I are grieving, but very happy that the baby will have a wonderful home and life. I am writing this in tribute to my daughter, who unselfishly and with great love gave the most precious gift to wonderful people who would not otherwise have an opportunity to be parents. She did not condem this child to poverty as would have happened if she had kept her. She cries for her loss, but smiles through the tears because she knows she did her best for her child. She is the bravest , most generous person I know. I want her to know her decision was the right one, and I love her very much.
Jun 15, '02
Speaking as someone who has adopted a child I applaud her good sense and bravery.
Thanks for sharing.
-Russell
Jun 15, '02
Speaking as an adopted child, ditto.
Jun 15, '02
My family will be praying for your family. Adoption is a very unselfish and caring act. Your daughter has brought lifelong joy to this family.
Love and prayers.
Jun 15, '02
hugs and prayers coming your way
Jun 15, '02
I am adopted myself and thank God everyday for giving me such a brave and selfless birthmother...It must've been the toughest thing for her to do.. I know that I have been afforded every opportunity to thrive and grow w/my adoptive family..My bio. mother was in no position to keep me either...
Thank goodness for these strong, loving women !!
Tricia
Jun 15, '02
That was a thoughtful and loving tribute to your daughter and her courageous decision. And, a powerful tribute to her loving mother who wrote it. My thoughts are with you both.
Linda
Jun 15, '02
What a unselfish, giving and loving thing to do. I know it's hard for her and for you.
Love
Dennie
Jun 15, '02
Wow.....so many lucky people here! I think the act of adoption is the most awesome. I've been blessed with 5...3 of my own and 2 step-kids....I consider them all mine! If I had the chance or $$ I would love to bring another child into our home.
The strength your daughter showed is beyond words. She gave something to another human that they could not do themselves. I pray that this beautiful daughter will grow up with an appreciation and love for both of her Mothers.....the one who loved her enough to let go and the one who was there to catch her.
As a grandma myself....at 42, I know the love for grandchildren is a strong bond. While I can't imagine your heavy heart in letting this dear one go, I pray that God will give you the strength and peace as you know that this little angel from heaven will always have a special bond with you, even if she never meets you in this life.....perhaps she will laugh the same as you or exhibit some small trait that you do......my granddaughter twirls her hair when she is tired......just like me
I wish you both much love, peace and comfort. I'm proud of you both. God Bless you!:kiss
Jun 15, '02
Hugs to you! I also can relate to the effect adoption has on a family. From both sides.
God Bless you both~ no...all three, as you journey through life together in spirit and in love...
Julie
Jun 15, '02
Originally posted by WashYaHands
That was a thoughtful and loving tribute to your daughter and her courageous decision. And, a powerful tribute to her loving mother who wrote it. My thoughts are with you both.
Linda
I couldn't have said it better. :kiss
Jun 15, '02
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family tonight--also with that darling baby that her lifetime will be filled with love and happiness. What a wonderful gift to give to some family who wants to have a child of their own. God Bless:kiss
Jun 15, '02
I dont know where you and your daughter got the strength to be so generous. May you both find comfort. What you wrote here was very heartfelt. The child might someday appreciate being able to read it and have some connection to his birth family - even if only thru a letter. Maybe the new parents would be willing to keep a letter like this from you and your daughter - to be given to the child when the time is right. Your touching words here might also be a help in explaining to the babys siblings, when they are older, why their mother made this decision for their sister. Please consider printing out your post & keeping it in a safe place for them.
Jun 15, '02Occupation: Retired Joined: Jul '01; Posts: 4,288; Likes: 31Speaking as someone who has adopted a child I applaud her good sense and bravery.
Jun 15, '02Joined: Aug '01; Posts: 3,725; Likes: 459Hugs to you! I also can relate to the effect adoption has on a family. From both sides.
Jun 15, '02Specialty: 22 year(s) of experience in surgical, neuro, education ; Joined: Jul '01; Posts: 395; Likes: 56My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family tonight--also with that darling baby that her lifetime will be filled with love and happiness. What a wonderful gift to give to some family who wants to have a child of their own. God Bless:kiss
