Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women who never knew each other
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother

Two different lives shaped to make you one

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it
The first gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name
One gave you a talent, the other gave you aim

One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears
One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried you tears

One made an adoption plan, that was all that she could do
The other prayed for a child, and God led her straight to you.

Now, which of these two women, Are you the product of?
Both, my darling, Both, Just two different types of love.
---- Unknown

I came across this poem of adoption not to long ago. I felt the words were so beautifully written to describe a child’s heritage, both past and present. An adopted child is not solely the product of the birth parents nor the adoptive parents but a combination of the two. No matter the child’s story whether they are adopted domestically or internationally, they will carry with them this heritage. They are a special creation that God has ordained for a special purpose. It is something to be valued and treasured.

Heather Schuck, International Social Worker