In the Present Moment: Wow...that's all I can say...well, not quite all

I was looking at some adoption stuff online today and came across a website put together by a group of mothers who gave up children to adoption and who firmly believe that they were coerced and manipulated by the adoption industry and adoptive parents.

Here's what these ladies have to say about me, my husband and other prospective adoptive parents:

Just like a sexual predator looks for vulnerable women and youth to exploit,  reproductive predators hunt for a vulnerable expectant mother so they can persuade or pressure her to give up her baby...They might be your doctor's receptionist, your sister-in-law, your highschool counsellor, or the nice neighbours next door. What they have in common is that they want your baby.

Wow.

That's pretty harsh, don't you think?

The authors of this particular website indicated that reproductive predators (apparently that'd be me and my husband) will use among other methods: manipulation, coercion, lies, fraud, pressure, threats, guilt, and bribery to achieve the ultimate goal of stealing a baby from a poor, naive young woman.

It truly pains me to know that there are people out there who genuinely believe that Chris and I are going through this process by following some nefarious plan that involves using any means necessary to get ourselves a baby.

That there are people in the world who actually liken us to predators.

Wow.

I mean...how do I respond to that?

There was a time when I would have gotten really angry or upset. When I would have had harsh words in return. Or when I would have crawled into bed because I was so hurt by the angry words...

But now...not so much.

I can't be angry. Obviously the women who set up this website are suffering and grieving terribly and for that I wish them peace, healing and freedom from their suffering.

As for any mother out there who - for whatever reason - is considering adoption today, please know that:

• I don't believe that I am entitled to your child nor do I feel that you are not entitled to your child because of your circumstances in life.
• I hope and wish for you that you CAN keep your child.
• you can somehow find the strength and resources to remain with your Little One.
• as a prospective adoptive parent I do NOT view you as a breeder or baby maker or the answer to my prayers - the giver of a miracle. Your child isn't a gift to be given away.
• I know that you must be struggling terribly under the weight of the most difficult decision that you will ever make.
• if you DO decide that adoption is best for you then I hope you might feel that Chris and I would be worthy of raising your child. It would be a privilege and an honor.
• Chris and I are trying our very best to move through this adoption process with honesty, integrity, respect for all parties involved, empathy, and the best interests of the Little One in our hearts and minds.

It's late and I'm tired...so, I think that I'll sign off for now. Still a little shaken by what I've read, but at least secure in the knowledge that while they may think that I'm an evil person out to do harm, I know that I am not.