| The landmark day you became parents- it's pretty | | | | mother never forgets the birth of her child. Even if |
| clear that the day of youradoption is not like any | | | | this child is out of her sight, the child will never be |
| other day. It's the day you became a mother, | | | | truly gone from her memory. She was your child's |
| yourhusband became a father, and your parents | | | | first mother and this child will always remain in her |
| became grandparents. Your life is forever changed by | | | | heart. |
| your child and no other event will ever compare to all | | | | To gain better understanding of these truths, find |
| you have gone through to get to this day. | | | | some stories about openadoption, speak to someone |
| Someone else is a very important part of this day; | | | | who is a life parent, or ask your adoptionprofessional |
| someone with deep feelings of loss and sadness. | | | | for some references to reinforce your decision to |
| That special person is your child's life mother who has | | | | choose openadoption. Then, honor your life mother's |
| gone through a great ordeal to bring you to this day. | | | | wishes, always. |
| Without her none of you would have come together. | | | | Letters and pictures, at the very least, are not much |
| All of you will remember this day vividly and with | | | | to ask and often provideyour life mother with hope |
| deep emotion. | | | | and encouragement about the decision she hasmade. |
| Adoptive parents, or parents in waiting, you must | | | | When she sees a picture of her happy and healthy |
| never forget their childrencame to their life mother | | | | birth child, she hasconfirmation that her decision was |
| after the long and often difficult journey of their | | | | the right one. The occasional visit, if agreed upon and |
| lifemothers. We must remember this very important | | | | handled wisely, can help to balance out the lives of |
| individual who, by strength of character or difficulty in | | | | everyone involved. |
| circumstances-or both-chose to give the gift of a | | | | Everyone benefits by honoring the wishes of the life |
| child to those who could not have one. For this | | | | mother. Whatever youragreement is with the life |
| reason alone they deserve respect, recognition, | | | | mother, commit to it and follow through as promised. |
| consideration, thoughtfulness and kindness from | | | | If you need any incentive, simply look into your child's |
| those who will benefit from their decision. | | | | eyes and remember where the life you see there |
| Of course, you are your child's parents. But a life | | | | started! |