NOTE: This was
written for a friend of my mother-in-law who had to submit the reasons she
wanted to adopt an "at-risk" child.
The sentiments are hers; I simply put the feelings into words.
Dear Child,
I want to be a part of your life for so
many reasons. I've worked very hard to
earn the chance to give you love, to read to you some of the books I've been
collecting like the Jungle Book, Heidi, and Green Eggs and Ham, to hear you
proudly read out loud to me for the first time, to play with you in our
backyard and to watch over you while you sleep.
For five years, I've felt you in my arms.
I want to make sure you eat your
vegetables and brush your teeth. I want
to go to church together and sing while we hold hands. I want to see your fingerprints and
fingerpaints all over the refrigerator.
I want you to drive me crazy with
questions. I want you to keep me awake
late at night so I can be Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy after you've gone to
sleep, to take your temperature when you're running a little fever. I want to take you shopping and watch TV with
you snuggled up with a blanket and a bowl of popcorn.
I want to worry when you have a cold and
when I loosen the apron strings on your first day of school. To give you a shoulder to cry on and put a
band-aid on a skinned little knee. I
want to hear your laughter and wipe away your tears.
I want to show you the difference between
right and wrong. I want you to have your
own room to fill with books, games, stuffed animals, and joy. I want to make sure you wash behind your
ears. I want you because you're a
special little person. I want you to be
happy and feel secure. I want you...to
love.
With
love, Courtney
Dear Parent,
I know you don't have much choice in
giving up your child. I want you to know
how sorry I am that things didn't work out and that I really appreciate the
chance to be a part of your child's life.
I know deep down you want what's best for your child and I promise to
give your child a home filled with love and security.
If your child has any brothers or sisters,
I'll do what I can to make sure your child knows all its family. I know how important family is. My mother and my brother live near by and
they are eager to be a part of your child's life, too.
I have a good job as a postal clerk so you
don't have to worry about your child's material needs. I can take off a couple of months to give
your child time to get used to me and a new environment and I'll do everything
I can to make it as easy as possible.
When I have to go back to work, my next door neighbor will watch over
your child for me when I have to work.
I am an ordinary person with a lot of love
to give to your child. I like to read,
watch TV, see plays, shop, and do crafts.
I regularly attend an old established church and go to church
functions. I don't date -- God hasn't
put a relationship in my life yet; I am content to wait until He is ready. So you see, my heart and my home are open and
ready for a child. I'll do everything I
can to meet your child's emotional needs.
Most people have to wait just nine short
months for a child to enter their life.
I have waited five years and during that time, I have worked hard to
make sure the child that enters my life will have the best I can offer. Thank you for understanding that I wish it
could be different for you, but perhaps this is what's best for your child.
Sincerely, Courtney
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