A few weeks ago, Heart of Adoptions was able to place a Safe Haven baby for adoption. The laws of Safe Haven are in place to provide new parents who cannot care for their child a safe way for them to surrender her newborn. Safe Haven is just that, a safe place, literally, figuratively, and legally.

A few weeks ago a mother made use of this protection and surrendered her little one to a Safe Haven.

I should really start the story a few days earlier.  A woman came into the emergency room ready to have a baby.  She came into the main hospital instead of the women’s hospital.  Before they could transfer her to the normal labor and delivery unit, the baby was born.   They kept the mother and the baby there for a few days.

This wing of the hospital, not used to having a baby on the floor, fell in love with this little one.  The nursing staff were completely enamored with this baby, or “their baby” as they lovingly called him.

A few days after the mother and baby were discharged, “their baby” came back to stay with the hospital again.  The mother brought the baby back to the hospital that showed her and her baby such tender care, knowing they would help her little one find a lovely home.

The baby was placed for adoption with our agency.  The staff of that hospital felt so invested with the first few days of this little one’s life, that they decided to write letters for him to read when he was older.

The collection of letters is one of the most heartwarming things I have read in a long time.  Here are a few excerpts:

This nurse mentioned that they usually like to transfer the mom to the labor and delivery unit.

“We are not a delivery hospital, but do on the occasion get the chance to see beautiful babies being born into this world…some babies just don’t want to wait. This was the case with you, our sweet boy…From the moment you opened your eyes to see your new world, you were the most perfect baby.” 

“Every member of our team and even some other departments had to come and get a peek at you. Your cry was so very soft and tender… we will never forget that sweet sound.”

Then they mention the day he came back.

“It came with much surprise when we were presented with another chance to play a small role in your life once again…There was line of team members that wanted to hold you and see your precious face.”

“The staff at DPH named you ‘Phillip’ because to us you were our baby boy.  There were tears of joy, because we knew that you would find your forever home with loving parents and a family.”

“I waited patiently to catch a glimpse of your precious face, and then after some time, I was able to cradle you in my arms, just as I had done with my own children 19+ years ago. You seemed so content and at peace, even though you were passed around to several people who wanted to hold and cuddle you. “

They spoke about their hopes for his future:

“Please know that the short time we had with you was most precious, and we thank you for being so very patient and allowing us to be a small part of your life.”

“I am sure someone very special is going to adopt you and watch you grow into a fine young man.  I just wanted you to know how special you are and how excited we were to meet you.  You never cried, you just laid quietly in our arms, content.  We changed and fed and cuddled you and prayed with you.”

“There were plenty of “Aunties” and “grannies” who held you, talked to you and loved you. I doubt any child has ever been more fiercely loved, by so many people.  You were given several names: Brian for the security officer that who received you, Steven for the doctor who caught you, Phillip for Dr. Phillips Hospital. We all called you beautiful.”

And they spoke about praying over him:

“Chaplain Julie held you, warm and snug in a blanket, and announced that we would have a prayer together for you.  We are not a religious institution but staff members came from out of the woodwork to join this prayer of blessing.  Nurses, administrators, medical techs, janitors, volunteers, security guards, guest services, counselors and more participated.  We united our hearts before God and, with tears and smiles, we prayed.”

“We asked God to help your birth mother.  Whatever brought her to our door, we knew that she wanted you to be safe and well.  We prayed that you would find a home, and a family, that would provide you with everything you need and that you would grow to be fearless and kind.  We gave you to God.

“As I held you in arms, I whispered in prayer asking God to watch over you, and to protect you, and to guide you, and give you strength for the days and years ahead.

The most touching letter was written by the person from guest services, who was there when baby Phillip’s birth mom surrendered him to the hospital.

“On Tuesday…I was standing with Security Officer Brian and a volunteer, when a young woman walked in and handed us a tiny infant – and that baby was you.  All she would say was “safe haven, safe haven.”  She had a plastic bag with a few baby items in it but did not want to give us any other information.  It took me a minute to realize the enormity of what this brave woman was doing – giving up her child so that someone would provide him with a good life that she may not be able too.  You were only two days old, a beautiful little boy.  We later gave you three names representing the three people you first encountered.

I was so taken aback – I had chills when she handed over you over and she kissed your little head.  Later I was able to hold you. You are going to have a wonderful life.  I wish you and your new family all the love and good things in life.”

This hospital gave this child and his family such a special gift, a memory of the love he was born into, and all the hands the held him and led him to his forever home.

“Never forget how much you meant to all the staff in the Emergency Department at Dr. Phillips and how humbled we are to have met you.”