July 30, 2010

Today is the 52nd anniversary of the day my birth mother made a good decision. I do not know this woman’s name. I don’t know the circumstances that led to her decision. I only know that it was the right one for me.

I often wonder about the events that led to this day. What was her story? Why couldn’t she keep me? These are curiosities, but not ones I lose sleep over. She gave me a life unequal to any I could have ever dreamed for myself.

Wealthy people did not adopt me. They were not famous, or people of great power and influence. They were people who knew how to love. They were willing to take a chance on a little baby and make him their own. They surrounded me with family, friends and a church that loved and nurtured me. They did their best to teach me their values, ideals and ethics. Most of all, they taught me their faith and trust in God. They didn’t preach every day. They didn’t quote a lot of scripture, but they showed me with their lives what being a Christian is all about.

My parents had bigger dreams for me than becoming a carpenter like my dad. They did want me to be a child of God, and I am so glad they led a life that brought me to the greatest carpenter that ever lived, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

To the woman who gave birth to me, God has blessed your choice. Thank you for letting me go. You could not possibly imagine the life I have had. I have been blessed with a great 52 years. It has not been free of hard times, but they have only made me stronger. You have a daughter in-law, wonderful grandchildren, and a granddaughter-in-law that are the lights of my life.

To Mama and Daddy, thank you for making me your son. I look forward to the day we can be together again in Heaven, forever praising an awesome and mighty God!