Legacy of an Adopted Child
Once there were two women
Who never knew each other.
One you do not remember,
The other you call mother.
Two different lives
Shaped to make yours one.
One became your guiding star,
The other became your sun.
The first gave you life
And the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love
And the second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality,
The other gave you a name.
One gave you a seed of talent,
The other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions,
The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile,
The other dried your tears.
One gave you up —
It was all that she could do.
The other prayed for a child
And God led her straight to you.
And now you ask me
Through your tears,
The age-old question
Through the years:
Heredity or environment
Which are you the product of?
Neither, my darling
— neither,
Just two different kinds of love.
~ Author Unknown
Definitely a beautiful poem that recently ran in Dear Abby in my local newspaper! This poem is part of a collection of poems and essays that Abby’s readers have repeatedly asked to be re-run because they hold special meaning for them.
Per readers’ request, Dear Abby has compiled this collection into a booklet called “Keepers.” It can be ordered by sending your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $7 (U.S. funds) to:
Dear Abby Keepers Booklet
P.O. Box 447
Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447
Shipping and handling are included in the price. It is an easy read for anyone who needs a lift, and is filled with genuine nuggets of thoughtful information. The “Keepers” touch on a varitey of topics and can be a nice gift for newlyweds, new parents, pet lovers or anyone recovering from an illness.