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Adopted and Accepted
by PamFord Davis Were you an adopted child? If you were, consider yourself privileged; you were chosen! I have heard sad stories of adoptive parents hiding the truth of adoption from their children. This is tragic; it is not something to be ashamed of, but to give thanks for! My mother was married twice; and had my oldest sister, Donna, from her first marriage. When Mom and Dad married, Donna made the transition at age five. I know it involved many changes, as she became a part of an entirely new family. Today many families are termed as "blended," yours, mine and ours. Dad adopted Donna after his vows to Mom; he chose her to be his first child! Donna proudly held on to her German heritage; and visited with her birth father and family frequently. We all called her grandmother Steinberger "Grandma"! Her new family did not mean she experienced rejection from the first, but acceptance from the second! Often I forget Dad is not Donnas' original father; and the term "half sister" seems foreign to me! The main time I recall the fact is when doing medical history. Yes, we were whole sisters! Dad and Donna shared a very close relationship over the years, each very stubborn they would hold their ground, but still love each other. Dad loved visits with Donna and her children; and she enjoyed giving him his favorite foods. In the last three years of Dad's life she became one of his faithful care givers. Though she suffered with very serious health issues, she diligently worked to meet Dad's needs when he lived in assisted living, or a nursing home close by. She carried a heavy burden as she tried to come to grips with the truth he would not live much longer. At times she seemed to be in denial; she fought the enemy of death as she fought all of her battles, with determination and spunk! She lost that battle; but she knew he now stood in the presence of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) Donna and I shared the same month for our birthdays, mine seven years after hers, meaning we also shared the birthstone of emerald, and flower, lily of the valley. Strangely through life we also continued to share the same last name. Both men we married came from the south; though not related, did have the same last name! It would confuse people at our churches when I requested special prayers for her. Later I would be questioned, "Did you mean your sister-in-law?" It is nice to realize we have things in common; I am adopted, too! "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all His wisdom and insight, (Ephesians 1:5-8 NAS) Donna lost her own battle with death in 2005; and we will not be sharing birthday memories together. I think her adoptive fathers are throwing her a big party; both Dad and her heavenly Father are hosting the event! She is adopted and accepted! Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com http://www.faithwriters.com/member-profile.php? Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |