[PastorStephanie]

Dear Mom,

Twenty-nine years ago you gave me the most precious gift I have ever received: life. Because of you, I have felt the thrill of existence…

I have laughed so hard that my stomach has hurt and tears have rolled down my cheeks.

I have laid in the grass and felt the sun warm my face.

I have hiked trails in the mountains and drunk in the silence of quiet.

I have dreamt dreams and tasted the ecstasy of accomplishment.

I have stayed up all night with friends and relived memories, laced with laughter.

I have felt the embrace of family and security of being my dad’s delight.

I have tasted the salt in the ocean and been baptized by its waves.

I have sung the songs of the angels and been hidden in the shadow of their wings.

I have savored the exhilaration of knowledge and the joy of learning.

I have run through fields of tall grass and felt the dew tickle my bare feet.

I have loved deeply and been swallowed up with by its strength.

On this day each year, I celebrate the love of my mother, whose courage afforded me- life.

I love you.
Stephanie

[Jody M]

Stephanie- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! This is absolutely precious and beautiful prose to praise and honor your life, adoption and your birth mother!
I hope to publish another issue of Adoption Blessings Journal or consider making it an online publication- would love to include your poem if you would be willing and credit your name.

Blessings to you and may you have a blessed special day!
Love Jody

[ssshhh]

From a bmom I just want to say THANK YOU.
I needed to read something like that tonight!
Happy Birthday!!!!

[Mommy24]

Happy Birthday Stephanie

[PastorStephanie]

Thanks for the birthday wishes everybody! It means alot to hear it from others affected by adoption... like everyone else who says Happy Birthday, doesn't quite mean it the same way birthmoms and adoptees do!

Jody, go ahead. PM when you are ready to do so and I will give you my real name=)

[keds]

Stephanie,

I wanted to wish you a very happy birthday. Your beautiful words reminded me to appreciate the many things I often take for granted and forget to be grateful for in life and confirm that the decision I made over 26 years ago was the right one. All the best. KD

[thanksgivingmom]

reading your post i thought of all the things my little baby will be able to do as she grows, and even though i may not see these things i take great joy in knowing she will do them...i needed that today, so thank you!!

and i hope you had a wonderful birthday!

[bmomoftwins]

You have obviously grown to be a beautiful young woman. All Birthmoms should be so lucky. Your parents must be proud. Jessica