Dear Birth Parent(s),

This likely has been a difficult time for you, and it would be easy to imagine that you never thought you would be reading a letter from a couple, in regards to your unborn child. We ourselves wouldn't have initially thought that we would be writing such a letter, had you asked us a couple of years ago, but fate has a way of bringing individuals into each other's lives for a reason. We have always dreamed of having a family, and also knew that adoption would be an opportunity for us to have that family - even before we were married. It would not be entirely honest to say that we 'know what you are going through,' but we can understand the courage that has brought you to this point.

We want to reassure you that we plan on keeping you updated on the growth, life, and development of your child, with pictures and letters. It is our hope that these future pictures and letters will reveal an upbringing of happiness and joy, and an infant surrounded by a family of love and support. As he or she grows, we hope that you will be able to see an environment of growth and encouragement to pursue their life dreams, while at the same time, providing them the necessary education to accomplish those dreams. The pictures and letters will reveal a family that comes together to raise your child together, including close involvement by Grandparents…who themselves are adoptive parents. Much in the same tradition of Mark's parents, we plan on sharing this child's adoption story, while they are young, in order to be open, honest, healthy and to understand the wonderful sacrifice his or her birthparents, much like you, made for them. It is our anticipation that approaching this discussion at an early age, and with the help of Grandparents and Godparents, that he or she will always feel like they are part of a deeply loved family, and at the same time, understand the amount of love and courage that you had, to place them in that loving home.

Both of our upbringings emphasized both 'book smarts,' as well as 'world smarts.' Our goal is to encourage and foster education in not only academics, but also in the important issues that may affect our child in the future. This will include anything from the history to the culture and community that surrounds us…which is similar to the experiences we both had growing up. Beyond school and the classroom, we plan on 'field trips' to the real world…museums, the zoo, even homeless shelters.

Both of us were raised in environments which encouraged and promoted education, but neither of us experienced pressure to become 'someone in particular.' We will encourage and foster all the opportunities for a college education, and beyond…while at the same time, fostering the child's interests in music, arts, sports, etc…

In addition to a home of love, support, and encouragement, we hope that this future story will also tell of camping trips, family vacations, homework assignments, field trips to the museum, science fair projects and sports practices. There will be afternoons at the park and playing with our loving dog, Sully…who is great with children. Along the way will be two dedicated, devoted, and loving parents who will have the flexibility to see that all of their needs are met. There will also be scores of family members to foster growth and development.

We believe that our unique experience with the blessing of adoption will foster the loving environment that is already awaiting the addition of a child. Both of our families are thoroughly excited about the addition of a new child to the extended family…which already includes four blessings of the gift of adoption. Mark, in particular, deeply understands and appreciates the strength it takes to place your beloved child with a family…having been placed as an infant himself. As a counselor and adoptee, we understand that this has been a difficult time, and that you have many options. We hope and pray that through this brief story, you will know that your child will enter a world and family of love, encouragement, laughter, fun, and support. It would also be our hope that you know that we would be grateful and appreciative of your strength, courage, and bravery, with whatever decision you make.

Sincerely,

Mark & Amy