David got a call from a lawyer years after adopting little Sam. He said, “Mr. Wallace.” “I’m calling on behalf of your adopted son’s birth parent…”

“What do you want?” Dave asked nicely.

“I’d like to talk to you,” the lawyer declared.

“I’m not interested,” Bob replied. “They left my son behind. Nothing you say will interest me.”

The attorney told Mr. Wallace, “Please.” “For Sam’s sake.”

Dave agreed to meet the lawyer, but he didn’t want to. He was given a letter as soon as he got there. “This will explain everything so much better than I ever could, Mr. Wallace,” he stated.

While looking at the sealed envelope in his hand, David wasn’t sure what to do. He wasn’t sure what to expect, so his heart was beating fast. He gave Sam all the love and care he could for years after learning that his birth parents had given him up. He really didn’t want anyone to come back and mess up the life they had made together.

“What’s in this letter?” David looked at the lawyer and asked.

The lawyer’s face was soft, like it was understanding. He told her, “It’s from Sam’s birth mother.” It was her wish to share her story and explain the choices she had made. I know this is hard for you, Mr. Wallace, but please read it before you decide anything.

After another moment of thought, David slowly tore open the envelope. He opened the letter with shaky hands and started to read.

“Dear Mr. Wallace,”

I’m Anna, but you don’t know me. For a long time, I’ve wanted to write this letter as Sam’s birth mother. That’s okay, if you decide to stop reading now. I know I don’t have the right to ask you anything. Although I really want you to hear me out, if only for Sam’s sake.

It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do to give Sam up for adoption. I wasn’t safe, I was young, and I was by myself. I couldn’t even take care of myself, let alone a baby. I was having trouble with addiction, and I knew I couldn’t give Sam the life he deserved. I wanted to hold him and tell him I loved him every day, but I was afraid that if I did, I would hurt him.

I decided to let him go because I hoped and prayed that he would find a family that could love him as much as I did. Although it hurt, I believed it was the best thing for him. It hurt me a lot, but I told myself he was better off without me for years.

Although, Mr. Wallace, life does sometimes give us second chances. For four years now, I’ve been getting better, and I work at it every day. I know I’ll never get back the time I lost, but I want to be there for Sam in any way you think is best. I do not wish to take him away from you or cause any trouble in his life. If I was too hurt to show it, I just want him to know that I loved him all the time.

It’s fine with me if you don’t want me to talk to him. But please tell him that his birth mother always thought about him and loved him so much that she chose to give him a better life. Thanks for taking care of my son, Mr. Wallace. You gave him love and stability that I couldn’t give him. I will always honor the fact that you are his dad.

Appreciate reading this. Wishing you and Sam a lifetime of happiness.

With deep thanks,
Ariel

David sat still and quiet. The words on the page were getting fuzzy because he was feeling so much. He had always thought that Sam’s birth parents had just left without caring, but Anna’s letter made him see another side of the story. Because she cared about Sam, she had fought and struggled and finally made the hardest choice she could.

He looked up at the lawyer, who was keeping a close eye on him. “Why now?” The voice of David was rough as he asked. “Why did she reach out after all these years?”

According to the lawyer, Anna has been trying for a long time to get her life together. “She wasn’t sure if she should call you because she didn’t want to get in the way of Sam’s plans.” But she thought it was worth a shot if she could find any way to tell him how much she loved him.

David gave a slow nod, thinking about what was said. To keep Sam safe from anything that could hurt or confuse him, he wanted to rip the letter apart in parts. Something else in him knew this was important. It was the part that loved Sam the most and had seen him grow and do well. Even if it hurt, Sam had the right to know the truth.

“What does she want, exactly?” Still suspicious, David asked. “Is she hoping to see him?”

The attorney said, “Only if you and Sam are willing to do it.” She’s ready to go at your own pace or not go after it at all if that’s what you choose. She wants Sam to know that he was never left alone and that his birth mother made a choice out of love.

Thinking about what this might mean for Sam hurt David’s heart. Even if his son didn’t always show it, he knew how hard it was for him to answer questions about his past. David had tried his best to be honest, but he still didn’t know some things. This might be a chance to give Sam some of the answers he’s been looking for.

They were afraid of losing the bond they had built if Sam decided to get back in touch with his birth mother and opening a door that could never be closed. The boy David had raised, loved, and cherished every day since the adoption, David didn’t want to lose him.

“Can I think about it?” David asked with a whispery voice. “I need some time.”

The attorney said, “Of course.” “Merely take your time. We can talk to Anna if you want to. There’s no need to hurry.

David said “yes,” carefully folded the letter, and put it back in the envelope. He felt like he had a weight on his shoulders as he left the office. The letter made him feel bad about things that happened in the past, but it also gave him hope that there might be a way to make Sam happy again.

Later that night, David came home to find Sam building a model airplane in the living room. He spoke in a light voice and said, “Hey, kiddo.” “How was your day?”

Sam said, “It was good,” but he didn’t put down his work. “I got an A on my science project.”

David smiled and played with Sam’s hair. “That’s really cool. Good job! I’m proud of you.

He stood there and watched his son work for a moment, thinking about all the new things he had learned. He was aware that he could not decide this by himself. David had always promised to be honest with Sam because he was old enough to understand and be in charge of his own life.

Saddled up next to Sam, David said, “Hey, buddy.” It’s something I need to talk to you about. It’s… significant.”

Sam looked up, not worried but interested. “What is it?”

David took a big breath. His heart was beating fast. There was a letter for me today. From your mother through adoption.”

Sam’s eyes got really big, and he stopped moving. He forgot about the tiny airplane parts he was holding in his hands. “From… my real mom?”

David gently put his hand on Sam’s shoulder and said, “She’s not your real mom.” It was from the woman who gave birth to you, though. They wrote to tell you that they cared about you and to explain why she made the decisions she did. It wasn’t her intention to bother us, but she thought you might be interested in learning more about her. “You might even meet her one day if you want to.”

Sam kept quiet and looked at David’s face, trying to figure out how he was feeling. A quiet question came from him: “And what do you think?”

“I think…” David thought for a moment, trying to find the right words. I believe it is your choice. I’ll back whatever choice you make. I want you to know that I’m your dad no matter what. That won’t alter at all.

No words were spoken for a long time by Sam. Putting the model airplane down, he leaned against David and put his head on his shoulder. “Tell me,” he said in a soft voice. “I want to understand.”

David hugged him tight, and tears came out of his eyes. “Okay,” he said behind her back. “Then we’ll do this together.”