Their Names Mean Brave

Behind every cover of a book is a story. Behind every play is a director. Behind every door is a gateway. Behind every adoption is a heart - the heart of a birthmom, the heart of the adoptive child, the heart of the adoptive parent, the heart of the adoptive family caseworker, the heart of the birthmother caseworker. So much goes on behind the scenes of an adoption. My sons did not just fall on my front doorstep by a stork or an Amazon Prime shipment. Adoption involves prayer, patience, and sacrifice. Adoptive families make sacrifices to adopt, but birthmother's are the ones who truly exemplify sacrifice.

My name was the witness signature of a birthmother's adoption paperwork in November. I saw her hold her son for the last time as she sat on her hospital bed and signed her adoption plan papers. Ten days after that signature was signed, her parental rights were officially surrendered to allow her son to enter the care of a family she lovingly chose to parent him. As one of the four people to sign those papers and see firsthand the birthmother's pen form a life-changing signature, my love for birthmoms grew greater than it already was.

My name was the signature on the card we gave Zeke's birthmother when we met with her in early April. I saw her expressions as she spoke with us. I heard her heart as she asked important questions regarding her son's future parents. I'll never forget the words she softly spoke when talking about her hopes and dreams for her son: "I hope he doesn't hate me for this." I maintained my composure, but inside I was crying the tears she was fighting back. Zeke's Birthmom, your son will always hear from us about how much you love him! That meeting showed another layer of pain and loss that birthmothers face. It also showed another layer of love that birthmothers give.

My name was the signature on the adoption papers to bring Eli and Zeke into our family. My signature signified that now I was forever Mom to these two amazing boys. That completed signature line indicated that motherly responsibilities were now upon me. I gladly welcomed them - the responsibility and my sons. I sadly grieved along with the birthmothers who are mourning their loss. Again, my love and admiration for birthmothers grew.

Their names were the signatures that gave me two amazing gifts called Elijah and Ezekiel. Their names I pray for every day. Their names I remember. Their names I admire. Their names mean brave.