Here is the poem that Charly wrote. I didn't realize that my original page was not saved, or it disappeared into "Net Space." This poem seems to express what is in my heart. Charly was so kind to give me permission to print it here, but if you decide to use it for any reason, you must get Charly's permission first. You can email her directly at: "charly@etsnet.com"
"Dear Santa:
I know you're kind of busy
with the kids this time of year
and I really shouldn't be
taking your time
to write this letter.
I know I'm a little big
to be writing to you,
but I figure that you represent a dream
and
maybe you could listen.
I'm not as eloquent as I wish I could be,
but
maybe you can look beyond.
I have eight beautiful children
who we adopted and who deserve the world.
Instead they got me.
I don't have a lot of education.
My husband and I
don't have a lot of money.
We don't live in a beautiful home
and we drive a
van that isn't too classy.
Some of our children were adopted
as a sibling
group together.
They have pain and needs that I can't fix.
I try and fill
them up with love,
but sometimes there's too many holes
and it just pours
through.
I can't make them promises
because they know that promises are
broken
more than they are kept.
Inside their hearts are splintered like
glass,
and each little pain must come out,
one shred at a time,
leaving a
scar
that may not heal.
I can't explain
why their parents hurt them,
why they abused them
and why
they left them in the end.
I can't explain
why the courts are taking so
long
to make them ours forever
or why their birthparents
get all the breaks.
I can't explain
why the world sees them as second best,
because to us,
they
aren't "damaged goods."
I can't explain
that I would trade everything I am
and everything I have
for them to be whole,
but I can't do it--
they must do
it
themselves.
If I could,
I would change their world,
I would erase the
past,
I would heal their hearts.
But I am only their parent
and I am
helpless.
I can give them few gifts for Christmas,
but whatever I give is not enough,
it isn't what they really need.
So on this Christmas,
my dream would be
that they would see opportunity
in the world around them.
That they would
feel
acceptance and charity
from those around them.
That they might recieve
closure
so that eternity
could become part of their family.
That they might
feel compassion
for those around them
because they understand
what it is to
hurt.
That the pain and shadow in their eyes
might be replaced
with wonder
and awe
at the miracle of love.
And most of all,
that the Savior might
become real,
that they might understand the Atonement,
and that might feel
His perfect love in this Holiday Season.
Thank you, Santa,
for maybe there is hope.
They still believe in you,
they
still believe in dreams.
Love, Charly"
charly@itsnet.com
Do not reprint or use without permission from the author, Charly.
I've had visitors to this page, since January 1, 1998.
