Adoption: It's the Same
I have seen prospective parents nurture a child with the uncertainty of the birth mother's intentions looming in the air waiting to take the child like death takes a sick newborn. The birth mother eagerly gave the child to the parents; in fact, she consented and relinquished her rights. Then after three week or so as the prospective parents were working through the process needed to take the child to their home out-of-state, the mother relented. She wanted their child. Due to the complexity of the facts and law involved and the uncertainty of the outcome of a contested adoption hearing, the prospective parents gave the child back to the mother. They mourned the loss of their child. I was there. I saw their raw emotion. I cried.
That experience leaves no doubt in my mind that their loss was every bit as real as the loss expectant parents feel when they lose a child to death.
That was one of two cases I saw the past two years that ended with sorrow.
I tell this tale of sorrow to remind us all that not all adoptions are finalized.
Adoption like giving birth has risk involved; adoption like giving birth is worth the risk.
The rest ended with joyful parents and blessed children.
