The folloing article is used by permission from 21st Century Christian. It appeared in their October 1993 issue.
Do you realize that the first recorded account of an adoption was Moses? Today, it would have been called an identified adoption, meaning his mother know his adoptive parents. So, today’s trend toward openness in adoption is not at all new.
Read this warm, loving letter from a birth grandmother to the parents who adopted her daughter’s baby.
Dear Tim and Susan,
I just wanted to write and say thank you for everything you have done for Judy over the past two years. There were many times I thought about writing you, but I didn’t really know if it would be appropriate for Joe of me, as the birth grandparents, to make contact. I didn’t want you to feel threatened by us, so I decided not to write. Now that we have met, I know that this letter will be accepted in the same sprit it is written.
Words cannot express our gratitude for all the support and concern you have shown for Judy. Both of you have been such an encouragement to her. The support and love you have shown through your cards, letters, and pictures and the two videos have helped us all come to terms with Judy’s decision. I never dreamed things would have worked out the way they have. There were times during the first year that I questioned whether we had done the right thing.
The video you sent of Rusty’s first year helped reinforce that Judy had done what was best for Rusty. It was comforting to see Rusty with both of you and with his grandparents. This may sound strange, but it helps me to see his grandparents with him. It is obvious that Rusty is very special to everyone.
The video of Rusty’s second year served as more assurance that Judy had made the responsible choice. But actually getting to meet you and see him again was like the icing on the cake. I have to confess that I wasn’t real sure it was a good idea when Judy called and asked if we wanted to meet with you. I was worried about her, but I decided that, if she was going to meet with you, I would be there to support her.
Though it was very difficult, I am glad that we had this opportunity. It took a lot of faith for you to trust that our meeting would be a positive experience, and for that I will always be thankful. Seeing you, and getting to know you helped put me at peace with the decision. It was hard when it was time to say good-by. But I would not have missed that opportunity for the world. Thank you again for having the faith to arrange the meeting.
Rusty is a precious little boy. I know he brings you a lot of joy and happiness. I believe with all my heart that Rusty is a precious little blessing from God. At the time, however it was hard to see the blessings, but now as I look back, I can see that maybe this pregnancy was not unplanned. It is very apparent to me that God was working, and continues to work, in many lives the entire time.
I realize that every adoption is different, and that not all have the positive impact that is one has had. I can only attribute the success of this one to the Master, because I truly feel that his adoption was handled by him. As I look back, I can remember things that happened that could only have been the working of the mighty power of the Holy Spirit.
Rusty will never know the changes his arrival made in the lives of so many. His birth touched me in a way that I will never forget. Instead of being a superficial Christian going through the motions of being religious, I am now seeking a relationship with the Lord, that I might become a true servant. Had I not traveled down this particular road of life I might not be where I am now in my spiritual growth. I give the praise and glory to God for all of the great things he has done and continues to do.
I will be keeping you and little Rusty in my prayers. There is not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. My pain is lessened in knowing that he is happy and will reap the benefits of having both a Christian mother and a Christian father. I pray that he will one day understand why he was placed for adoption.
I also ask that you continue to remember Judy in your prayers. She has matured a lot over the past couple of years, but still needs our prayers and encouragement. Again I thank you for everything you have done. God bless all of you. Love, Mary
With the shared love of birth family and adoptive family, who knows – God might be raising Rusty to be another Moses.