You loved your baby fiercely

But you had to let her go.

The pain and grief that followed

No one else could ever know.

You had chosen life for her

But you couldn't offer more.

So into another's arms you laid

The daughter you adore.

You promised her everything

That you knew you couldn't give.

And a part of your breaking heart

Died so she could live.

Now as you go about your days

You want to scream and need to cry.

But of necessity you hold back

And hold your strong head high.

People whisper, "How could she?"

As your heart comes apart at the seams.

Her face seems to haunt you;

The memories follow your dreams.

"Why me?" you wonder pointlessly.

"Why now?" your mind seems to repeat.

'Tis more blessed to give, you know,

But, oh, it is so bittersweet.

Every birth story and baby's cry

Brings you close to tears,

And the hurt will not lessen

As the days turn into years.

You will have joy and love again

Though it may take quite a while.

And you will never cease to melt

At the sight of a little girl's smile.

She will lack for nothing

While you mourn all you lack.

And though you'd die to hold her

You'd never take her back.

Selflessly you gave up

All that your heart desired.

You made a brave-love sacrifice

And adoption is what transpired.

A beautiful gift, a new family

Who will thank God for her every day.

And they thank Him for you as well

For it was through you He made a way.

by Crystal Garvin