Tell Me Pastor

Adoption bored!

DEAR PASTOR,

I am having a problem. This concerns a child that I gave up for adoption. I was fourteen years old when I gave up this child. I gave birth to this child in 1986, so she would be nineteen years old in December of this year. I gave up this child because my father had got married, and my stepmother never wanted me in the house.

They placed me in a children's home and moved from the home in which we were living. My father and stepmother are both dead and I have been trying for the past three years to find my daughter. I have five other sons whom I would like her to meet.

I went to the Adoption Board seeking information, but they said they would get into trouble if they gave out such information. They also said that if the child wanted to know me, the adopted parents had a way of getting in touch with me. I am asking you whether you could help me find my daughter.

S.D., St. Catherine

Dear S.D.,

Some children who are adopted want to know their biological parents, but some do not want to have anything to do with them. You need not feel guilty because you gave up the child for adoption. At the time, you felt that was the most prudent thing to do.

When a child is legally adopted, the biological parents are giving up their rights to this child.

That is why the Adoption Board told you that they can't give you the names of the persons who adopted her. It would be unwise for me to assist you in finding her. Perhaps, the time may come when this girl will want to know you. In the meantime, continue to pray and to do your best for the children who are living with you.

Pastor