Abigail's Entrustment Ceremony
Birthmother Abigail and her son's
adoptive parents had a very meaningful adoption entrustment ceremony. Abigail
has been kind enough to share a copy of what was actually said at Owen's
entrustment ceremony in order to get you started and inspire you as you plan
yours.
Song:
FOREVER YOUNG
By Bob Dylan
May God bless and keep you always,
May your wishes all come true,
May you always do for others
And let others do for you.
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung,
May you stay forever young,
May you grow up to be righteous,
May you grow up to be true,
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you.
May you always be courageous,
Stand upright and be strong,
May you stay forever young,
May your hands always be busy,
May your feet always be swift,
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift.
May your heart always be joyful,
May your song always be sung,
May you stay forever young,
From Abigail To Owen: (said aloud)
Owen, before I explain why I choose these words to speak today, I want you to know how much I love you. I have talked to you since before you could hear me, and sang to you when we were alone. I have carried you under and in my heart and will continue to do so forever. You are my firstborn son and I treasure you.
No matter where you go and whatever wonderful paths you walk you will always have my love. I cannot wait to see you grow and thrive but a little part of me will always hold you just like this in this moment, my
Little baby, forever young.
That is only part of what I want to say with this poem though. This poem is everything I wish and dream for you that I know I cannot do. They will be and build your strong foundation that you can rely on, as my parents have done so for me. I am still trying to get my footing and find my own ladder, but they are wonderful carpenters and I know with them you can soar as high as you have the will to do so. Someday we will both find our way to touch the stars and I can’t wait to see you there with Paul and Susan behind you every step of the way.
I love you Owen, more than the sun and the moon and the stars and the whole wide universe.
From Abigail to Paul and Susan: (said aloud)
Finally to Paul and Susan, I want you to know how happy I am that you are bringing Owen into your family and your hearts. This poem is as much about you as it is Owen. Righteous, true, courageous, strong, and with such joyful hearts and positive view on life, I feel like you share my spirit in how I have always wanted to view the world. More than my friends I feel you are my kindred spirits. I entrust Owen to you now and know you will be such wonderful, wonderful parents. I love you very much and look forward to seeing you raise and love Owen, because I know you love him as much as I do right now and that will only grow as he grows as your son.
From Paul and Susan To Owen: (said aloud)
We promise to love you as much as we know your birthmother does. We promise that we will never forget the incredible sacrifices she made in order to give you the life she wanted you to have, the life you deserve. We promise to honor her courage and her strength and will never take that for granted.
As you grow, we promise to remember the example she set and to always put your interests first. We know, and promise with all of our heart that you will receive the gift that she intended you to have. You are perfect to us, and we thank God for bringing all of us together.
From Paul and Susan To Abigail: (said aloud)
We would like to express our love to you through words, though
there are none that could accurately convey the love we have for you. When we
began this adventure over a year ago, we didn’t know that there was even the
slightest possibility of finding a birthmother that would exceed every hope,
dream, and expectation we had regarding adoption. We decided early on that the
only way to proceed was to open our hearts to the Universe, and trust that God
would guide us through this new adventure. His answer was to send us an angel
named Abigail. You, Abigail, not only took away our hesitation and fear, but
taught us that it was safe to open our hearts completely and trust that
everything would happen the way it was meant to happen. You have become, and
always be, a beautiful part of our family, and we welcome you into our lives and
our hearts.
Today, we begin the next leg of our journey with this miracle, Owen Thomas, and with our new angel, Abigail. Together, our love will keep him surrounded and safe and carry him through life peacefully, sure of the fact that on this last day of January, 2004, three people bonded together in love promising to remain open and honest with each other in order to give Owen his own incredible life.
With all of our heart and soul.