by Anne Fitz
“Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God…” John 1:12
Our family – John, Anne, Mary Anne, and Margaret Fitz – began attending Calvary Evangelical Free Church in June, 2003. The LORD helped John and me to understand that salvation comes through faith in Christ Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (See John 14:6.) We are grateful beyond words to the LORD for all He has done and is doing!
It is an honor to share about my adoption. From a young age, I wanted to be able to thank my birth mother for all she did. My parents, Paul and Phyllis, had impressed upon my sister, Jane, and me that placing a child for adoption requires an act of love, and that it would not have been easy.
We grew up in a patient, gentle, kind, and hard-working family, and Mom often reflected that she and Dad wanted to adopt because they had “a lot more love to give”. They had a sweet friendship and spent as much time together as possible. My sister and I knew we were a part of their family, and as difficult as it must have been at times for our parents, each challenge was met with patience and empathy. We have an older brother, Scott, who did a great deal to help, and still does. I am extremely grateful to the LORD for my family!
Shortly after Jane’s adoption was finalized, Dad was diagnosed with cancer. I cannot imagine the weight on our parent’s shoulders. Dad endured treatments, and blessedly went into remission which lasted for eight precious years…. A priceless gift! Our parents taught us so much throughout that trial. Faith and family came first, and our parents strived to provide many special family memories.
Space doesn’t allow me to share about how hard Mom worked after Dad passed away…. How John and I met…. How we imperfectly strived to raise our two precious daughters to know the LORD our God and His love and sacrifice for each
of us….
In 2001, I let John know that I wanted to thank my birth mother, and he recommended beginning the search right away. An important first step was talking with my dear Mom, who had sacrificed so much, and had always taken such good care of me…. If searching for my birth mother was going to cause my precious Mom any emotional pain, I would not move forward. I did not want to hurt her heart in any way.
I explained that I hoped to say “thank you” to the woman who did all she could during her pregnancy to have a healthy child. I wanted to thank her for placing me for adoption, and to let her know that I had been raised in a loving home. Mom was glad to help, and directed me to Catholic Charities.
Two weeks later, Karen and I were on the phone. We mailed letters and photos to each other, and I also received a thoughtful letter from her Mom, Della. She wrote many encouraging things, including “I thank the LORD for your search for
Karen.”
Finally, we were able to travel, and everyone made us feel very welcome. In addition to spending time with Karen, we also met Della, my half-sisters and their families, and Karen’s siblings. Our daughters enjoyed playing with their cousins, and it was a sweet time to get to know each other. ….. Karen quickly became a dear friend, is deeply kind and encouraging, and loves the LORD.
Months after we met, the LORD allowed me to experience a severe medical trial. I knew that I should have died, and doctors could not explain how I was still alive. By medical standards, it was impossible. Every moment of extreme discomfort was necessary, however, because it resulted in my believing in God…. 100% ! Even though I grew up knowing that my parents believed in God, I had doubted His existence for most of my life. I certainly did not deserve a miracle or a second chance. Thank You, dear LORD, for your grace, mercy, and love!!
Dear friends invited us to Calvary. John and I began reading the BIBLE, and with the Holy Spirit’s help, we understood that Christ Jesus suffered and died so that our holy Heavenly Father could forgive us. We cannot earn our way to heaven. Good deeds will not cancel our sins. When we believe Christ Jesus took the punishment we sinners deserve, God brings us into His family.
I have been adopted twice!
The LORD loves you and wants you to know who He is. You can have eternal life
through His Son, Christ Jesus, who paid our sin debt to God in full. “…Believe in
the Lord Jesus and you will be saved….” (Acts 16:21)
I am grateful to the LORD for my loving, ever extending family, and look forward
to spending eternity with Him!
“In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ….”
(See Ephesians 1)
3 thoughts on “Adopted twice”
Thanks for sharing Ann. Such a beautiful story.
This is a beautiful story! I’m so thankful to have you in our lives. You are truly a blessing to all of us.
Such a special journey. Thank you for sharing. We are so grateful to have you and your family in our lives.