For Mothers of Birth Mothers

Your daughter's pregnant. You're in shock. Now what?

Five Things That You Can Do:

• 1. Listen
• 2. When asked, offer advice
• 3. Be supportive of whatever decision she makes
• 4. Do research
• 5. Be there

Testimonials from Mothers of Birth Mothers

We just got our lastest packet of pictures and a letter from the adoptive parents. I know your letter is a standard letter but, when I read the line about the first year being difficult, I have to say in this case it has not been difficult at all.

My daughter is doing great, she just finished her first year at Texas A&M. For spring break she got to go with a group of students to London and had a wonderful time. She will be taking some classes this summer and starting a new job with The Marriott. We keep in contact with the adoptive parents through emails and plan to see them some time this summer. It has been a wonderful relationship that I know will continue to grow. I don't think I can accurately describe just what a wonderful experience this has been for her. She feels so blessed to be able to have her dream of college come true and know that the baby is having the kind of love and life he deserves. Then there is the fact that he will always know how much he was and is loved and that we will always be here for him.

I know not all adoptions turn out as wonderful as this one has, but this one has been perfect. Everytime we see pictures of the family, or hear the joy in their emails and letters, we both feel so blessed to have found them. They are like family to us. I tell people when the subject comes up how great our situation turned out and how wonderful everyone with Gladney has been. Not one time has my daughter ever questioned her decision or wondered what if.... The day we left Ft Worth from the official placement she smiled and said she felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off her shoulders. She had been so worried that the birth father or his family would cause trouble (he came from a family involved in drugs and illegal activity). She went on to say the adoptive parents are so perfect for the baby and he for them.

So we will continue to let you know how things are going and it won't be long and we will be sending you all a graduation invitation from AM!

Thank you for all you do.

Missive of My Last Year With: MY BABY GIRL

• ON A BRIGHT AND SUNNY DAY MY BABY GIRL SAID I CAN'T GO OUT AND PLAY
• SHE SAID OH MOM I THINK THERE IS A BABY ON THE WAY

• OH GOD I SAID THAT CAN'T BE
• CAUSE YOU'RE STILL A BABY TO ME

• SHE CRIED AND CRIED AND SO DID I
• OH GOD IN HEAVEN WHERE ARE YOU
• GIVE US THE STRENGTH TO MAKE IT THROUGH

• AND DID YOU KNOW GOD SPOKE TO ME
• HE SAID I HAVE A PLAN DON'T YOU SEE
• DON'T FORGET THAT BABY GIRL BELONGS TO ME

• DECISIONS DECISIONS SHE NEEDS TO MAKE
• WE MET HER OWN BIRTH MOTHER TO GET HER TAKE
• ADOPTION IT IS THERE IS NO MISTAKE

• THEN ONE COLD WINDY DAY WE TOOK MY BABY GIRL FAR AWAY
• TO THE GLADNEY CENTER THERE TO STAY

• AT THE GLADNEY CENTER MY BABY GIRL IS NO MORE
• SHE BECOMES HER OWN BOSS SHE KNOWS THE SCORE

• SHE IS GIVEN SOME BOOKS OF FAMILIES TO CHOOSE
• SHE MAKES HER OWN CHOICE SHE CAN'T LOSE

• MY BABY GIRL IS GONE ON THIS DAY
• A BEAUTFUL BABY BOY WAS BORN TODAY
• SHE IS A MOMMY NOW AND THAT'S HARD TO SAY

• THERES A LOVING FAMILY FOR HIM AND THAT MAKES HER GLAD
• AT THE SAME TIME IT MAKES HER VERY SAD

• SHE HAS GIVEN HER HEART TO HIM AND THAT'S NO LIE
• IT IS ALMOST TIME TO SAY GOODBYE

• MY BABY GIRL CRIED AND CRIED TODAY
• HER BEAUTFUL BABY BOY HAS GONE AWAY

• GOD'S PLAN IS GOOD AND SHE WON'T WEEP
• SHE KNOWS THIS BABY BOY WAS NOT HERS TO KEEP

• GOD HOW I LOVE HER AND AM SO VERY PROUD
• I KNOW SHE WON'T WALK AROUND WITH A SHROUD

• MY BABY GIRL IT IS PLAIN TO SEE IS ALREADY A BETTER MOMMY THAN ME

• HE WAS NOT CONCIEVED IN LOVE DON'T YOU SEE
• BUT HE WILL ALWAYS BE LOVED BY MY BABY GIRL AND ME
• THANK YOU GOD WE CAN SEE

• LOVE MOM APRIL 2007

Just call 1.800.GLADNEY (800.452.3639), and talk with a counselor. No one will judge you. We're here to listen and to help.