Words and Pictures

Words and pictures have such an impact on society today. You don't even have to leave your home to be bombarded with advertisers trying to get you to buy into their brand jump on the latest political bandwagon or challenge your own moral code .

Words can hurt help and heal . They can bring peace and promise, or depression and devestation.

Pictures can be truth tellers, or misguiding.

We have the responsibility of writing a letter to the future birthparent of our new baby. All we can use are words and pictures. We have now become the advertisers, saying, "jump on our bandwagon, trust our political beliefs, place your child in the environment of our personal convictions and moral code...forever! Pick me! Pick me!"

Our pictures will expose us, as we have chosen to become transparent and have resigned ourselves to use photographs we took before we ever knew this day was coming. We will not stage a scene for the benefit of our gain at the cost of losing integrity - regardless of if they ever know it or not. We believe strength of character is most evident when no one is looking.
When adoptive families use the word "adopt" there are 3 words that more often than not follow: "a little baby." We realize it's not about a token child, a forever-infant. We know that this baby will grow from infant to toddler, from teen to adult and all while in our care. We know this first-hand, because I am adopted.

How do you say to someone, "give me your baby"? It's ludicrous. The words should never have to be uttered aloud. And yet, there are millions of birthmothers who have the decency and courage to face embarrassment, persecution, destroyed dreams, fear of the unknown and a future that can be filled with guilt, shame and uncertainty all because they did NOT take the "easy way out" (aka: abortion) and they chose to save the life of a child, regardless of their ability to provide parenthood. How do I go to that woman and simply say, "Thanks, I really appreciate it. Can I have my baby now?"

Before she chooses us, how do I paint a comforting picture; one of her child resting safely in my arms, or running to daddy when he or she is happy to see him come home from work, or frightened of a thunderstorm?

After the baby is placed with us, how do I paint a comforting picture; one that will reassure her that MY child is resting safely in my arms and running to daddy when he gets home from work, or is frightened of a thunderstorm?

All I have are words and pictures.

All she will ever have are words, and pictures.