Children

Introduction

safely into the world at full term, the birthmothers

selflessly gave their babies something that adoptive

parents could not: birthdays.

Thereby concluding that chapter of their lives with

compassion and love, the birthmothers released their

babies to fill the aching voids in the hearts of childless

couples. In a sense, the

ba~ies

were given life twice.

I would hope that we could all express a very positive

attitude toward adoption and manifest a fuller

understanding of both the sorrow and joy that adoption

brings to those involved.

It is not just enough to be right in these matters. If

we deeply care about life, let us change our hearts,

open our hands -and extend help by being actively

involved. Above all, the developing pre-born child is

part of the human family and deserves our welcome

into and guidance through life's noble journey.

Consequently, and because of the fresh start that

was granted to all participants in this great and tender

human drama, we thank God each day for every

remembrance of these birthmothers and their unselfish

maternal love. Such is the Kingdom of Heaven: "Take

heed that ye despise not one of those little ones; for I

say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always

behold the face of my Father which is in heaven

(Matthew 18:10).