A Grateful Adoptive Parent Speaks

Dear Amy,
As I sit down to write you this letter, I am very much aware that there are no words I can write on this paper to fully express my gratitude for what you have given me. Any words that I choose seem almost trite or insincere under the circumstances. For how can I begin to thank you for trusting Keith and me to parent precious Liam?

It is so obvious to Keith and me, and to all who have come to know you through this process, that you deeply love Liam. Therefore, I cannot begin to grasp the pain that this decision has brought you. The selfless love for him that you have displayed during this time is truly amazing.

I will never forget the first day I met you. I had prayed that I would be an encouragement to you, and yet you were an encouragement to me. I will always remember that beautiful smile on your face, a smile that I’m sure was covering the heartache you felt.

From the first minute Keith and I saw Liam we, we have loved him so much. When I consider the events that had to transpire to bring us together, and complete this adoption, I am overwhelmed at how God brought you into my life to answer the prayer of my heart. Your sacrifice has provided us with a tremendous gift.

Since any words of gratitude and thanksgiving are inadequate, please have this consolation. You have our sacred promise to endeavor to raise Liam in a manner worthy of him and the trust you’ve placed in us. Keith and I genuinely believe that Liam is so special and that God’s hand is on his life, and he has a wonderful plan for him.

We are deeply committed to always do the following – to show Liam unconditional love; to raise him in faith (it is our sincere prayer that he will always know and love God); and to give him opportunity to pursue the best education possible.

It will be a privilege to tell Liam about you over the years and Keith and I will be routinely praying for you and Ian, as our hearts are knit to yours.

Over the last couple of weeks as I’ve held Liam and had time to reflect on these amazing events, I’ve been repeatedly reminded of a scene from the movie “Saving Private Ryan”. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the movie, but it’s the story of how several men sacrificed their lives during WWII to save one man’s life. In almost the final scene of the movie, the dying captain (played by Tom Hanks), says to Private Ryan “Earn this”.

While I know that Liam comes to me by the grace of God, please know that I will never take your sacrifice for granted, and will spend the rest of my life trying to “earn this”. I love you. Toni