I sat with my mother this past weekend to discover how I became a part of their family. She told me that she and my dad were unable to have children of their own so they chose to adopt. They adopted a daughter a few years prior to me; her name was Karen. Karen decided that she wanted a younger sister. My parents did all the necessary paperwork and waited patiently for a baby girl. Approximately a year later, just as they were about to give up hope, they received a phone call from DHS. The worker informed my mother that they had two girls who were sisters. My parents didn’t want to separate us, so they agreed to adopt us both with no hesitation. That same day my foster mother gave my sister and me a picture of our new parents. We were so thrilled to meet them!
The following day my new parents Van and Bernice Barkley came to pick us up. They signed all of the legal paperwork before they even got to meet my sister and me. I was ready to go. I packed my tiny suitcase with my favorite blanket and left with just the dress that I was wearing. I still have all three of the possessions I took that day. They are exceptionally precious to me.
We left the adoption facility that afternoon as one. It was the day my life changed FOREVER! I actually had a family; someone to call mom and dad. It was the greatest feeling in the world!
Right away my mother took us for our first family photo. In fact, it is the earliest picture that I have of myself. Then we were off to shop for new clothes and toys.
My mom was a homemaker; she is so admirable. Each day I would arrive home from school and she would always have a snack prepared along with some sort of art project. Perhaps that’s how I became an artist. My mom has taught me how to love, care, nurture, show sincere concern for others, and encourage. She is my source of advice in dealing with everyday life.
My father was a pastor and also worked for SBC (Southwestern Bell). He is an amazing man of God; a man of integrity, character, and full of wisdom. He was always there when I needed him as well as anyone else. He attended every single wedding and funeral, and visited people in the hospital no matter what time of day it was. He has been my role model in teaching me what the true pursuit of God is. He has always supported me in whatever I do and has been my driving force, pushing me to be my finest.
They have instilled in me the importance of love and serving God with all that I am. I feel so blessed to be a part of this family and couldn’t be grateful enough that they took me in as their own. No matter where I go in this life or what I may become, I have achieved the greatest riches because of the love they have given me.
I am not angry or upset in any way towards my birth mother. I actually am so thankful that she gave me life. I feel extremely fortunate everyday to take a breath of air and I will never take one breath for granted. I know that every single day is a gift from God. I do not deserve to be saved by Grace. I am far from perfect, but mercifully forgiven by a God who is. God is rich in mercy and compassion and that’s the God I have fallen in love with. I see significance in every single day that I am alive and I will live to glorify Him for the rest of my life.
I have a heart for children and people in general. This is one of many experiences in my life that has pressed me to work with Crisis/Teen Pregnancy Centers and promote adoption. I encourage others to love and choose life, like was done for me. This has also directed me to do Missionary work as well. Missions are not just a task. They gather people who are willing to worship the one worthy of being worshiped. We have to let Christ come and rid us of all rival loves and all lesser loves. His love is better than life. We are all placed on this earth to serve and love ONE God!
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