I am a man who could very easily have been aborted. Instead, the young woman in whose womb I matured chose to give birth to me and allow me to be adopted by a loving family. My mom loves to tell the story about how when I was born, she was sick at home with the flu, so my dad drove to the hospital alone to pick me up. When he brought me home, and even before handing me to my mom, he placed me under the Christmas tree for a few moments so they could both celebrate what they say is the greatest gift they have ever received. This is a story they told me repeatedly when I was growing up. It was a beautiful way to share with me that I was adopted, and as a child, I loved that story. There was never a doubt that I was wanted. I still love that story today.
I’m now 61 years old. Throughout my life, I’ve often been asked “Have you ever wanted to look for your birth mother?” I understand why people ask the question, and I have a clear answer that hasn’t changed since the first time I was asked. Never once have I wanted to find my birth mother. I was blessed with incredible, loving parents. They are my “real” parents. And why in the world would I want to insert myself into the life of the woman who so bravely and so unselfishly allowed me to live?
If, however, my birth mother ever chose to contact me, I would simply give her a giant hug and thank her for the greatest gift I have ever received.
Greg
The Greatest Gift I Ever Received
