Letter of Adoption

Letter of Adoption

by Troy Cady,

inspired by friends I have

I see promise in your face,

a seed of hope

that will grow,

rooted in love.

I am the one who chose you.

I want to be the one

who watches over you,

puts you to bed at night

and feeds you.

Listen closely:

I want to whisper living secrets to you.

Keep them in confidence

and I’ll keep yours.

Now here’s a story

that will make you laugh—

how I love to hear you laugh—

how I love to see

your imagination come to life!

Keep trying new things, my child.

There’s a grace even in failing—

you can’t lose!

It’s true you can’t do everything well,

but nobody’s perfect.

You can make peace with limitation—

I still believe in you.

I’ll nurse you through illness,

befriend you in loneliness, and

cheer you on when you’re discouraged.

Here, just rest and drink

a warm cup of mercy with me.

You’re right: life is hard sometimes.

You’ll have to work—

but never forget:

I’ll pray you’ll have strength to endure.

I would say ‘find love’

but that would be silly—

because I’ve been here

this whole time loving you,

choosing you,

looking you full in the face,

standing beside you,

sending my heart with you

wherever you go.

Yes, I am with you,

even in your solitude—

but I love you too much

to keep you to myself.

Be your own person—

just be yourself.

I adopted you

so you could choose

freedom and joy.

I wish you joy, my child.

See how life has laid

before you a table

filled with rich fare—

hear the voices

who have joined you there,

poised to make

a glorious mess

of this Feast for all,

including you.