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