This appeared in a Ann Landers column many years ago...

a poem from a adoptive mother to the birthmother.
 

Dear Ann Landers: It would mean a great deal to me to have this poem printed
in December. The child we adopted will celebrate a first birthday then.
Amid the joy and preparation of adoptive parents, people have a tendency to
forget the heartache that was suffered by the birth mother when she parted
with her child. This poem is a reminder to all adoptive parents everywhere
that a very big price was paid by a selfless woman who gave up her precious
baby so he or she could have a better life. -Please no name or state, just
Grateful
 

A BIRTHDAY

It's my child's birthday
He just went dashing by
His eyes are sparkling with the excitement meant only for today.
Presents, kisses, hugs, cake, ice cream
It all seems so natural.
It's a day of looking back and looking forward.

It's my child's birthday
But there is something different happening inside me.
This should be a day of complete joy
A day for Thanksgiving
But in the midst of all this excitement
I pause, because my thoughts are about someone else for a time.

It's my child's birthday
I have no memories of his life growing inside me

and fighting to be released.
Another someone was there
Another someone suffered for my joy.

It's my child's birthday
But someone, somewhere, is feeling emptiness inside.
I'm sure she is wondering
Who he looks like
If he is big or small.
Wondering if he laughs much.

It's my child's birthday
And in the midst of this blessed day that was given to me
I have a prayer...
 

Oh God, that I may never forget

 that someone suffered so much to give life to my child.
That someone loved my child so very much

that she gave him the right to live.

May I never forget for a moment

 and especially now, today, to offer a prayer of thanks
for that someone
and that you, dear God, will always be there for that someone to help her
through the hurts she will have

when she stops to think that today is "my child's birthday."

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