Happy Birthday Lia

Happy Birthday Lia!!!!

                                  How you have grown!

Lia's long awaited 6th birthday finally arrived! Her siblings were almost as excited as she was. One child said we should have more children so we could have birthday parties more often!

Cake, ice cream and a pogo stick made her day special, but best of all was the special box and video phone call from her birthmom.

We have an ongoing relationship with Lia's birthmom. Many people find the thought of an open adoption scary but it has been such a blessing for both Lia and Dean & I. Knowing her birthmom loves her has been a source of comfort and security for Lia, and I believe it has helped her bond with Dean and I. She considers us mom and dad but her birthmom has a special place in her heart, which is right and good. Rather than feel threatened by it, Dean and I have encouraged that relationship. Her birthmom has become an extended part of our family and we feel honored that she encourages Lia to love and respect us. We are blessed! The following poem doesn't exactly describe our situation, but it touched my heart and I trust it will touch yours as well.

THE LEGACY OF A CHILD IN AN OPEN ADOPTION

Once there were two expectant mothers.

One carried and cared for you beneath her beating heart.

She became your Birthmother.

The other carried the hope of you within her.

She became your Mom.

As the days passed and you grew bigger and stronger,

your Birthmom knew she could not give you all you needed after your birth.

Meanwhile your mom was ready and waiting for you.

One day your Birthmom and your Mom found each other.

They looked into each others eyes and saw a friend.

Your Birthmom saw the life your Mom could give you.

Your Mom saw how much your Birthmom loved and cared for you.

They decided that what you needed was both kinds of love in your life.

So now you have two families, one by birth, one by adoption.

And you have a home where you can get:

 your questions answered,

your boo boo's bandaged,

your heart aches soothed,

and much needed hugs.

And a place where you can find:

answers to your questions,

your image in the mirror,

a part of yourself,

and much needed hugs.

Two different kinds of families,

Two different kinds of love,

Both a part of you!

- Brenda Romanchik