Dear Marianne Richmond,
A few years ago, my parents told me news that would forever change my life. I was only about 2-3 years old when they told me. They sat me down on the couch and told me that I, was adopted. They explained everything. They explained what it meant, how it happened, and everything else. I was very confused. Lots of feelings all at once filled me. Then, they sat me down on a couch and read me I Wished For You. The book helped me see through all the bad parts, your book helped me see that even though there was a reason behind me having to get new parents that it was okay. This book showed me that I was my parents wish. That I was truly their wish come true.
I remember having feelings about the woman who gave birth to me. Barley also felt this. There were many feelings that came into me at once and so many questions. Like Barely, I had so many questions about why I looked different and why the woman who gave birth to me couldn’t keep me. Your book helped me see that there was nothing wrong with that, that just because of that did not mean that something was wrong with me, and that I was my own person and it was okay. Your book helped me get through my hard times when I learned the news just like Barley. The mother in your book told Barley that he was her wish come true, and then I realized that I was my parents wish that came true. I said that I was 2-3 years old when they told me the news, now that I am older, I have different feelings toward this topic. When I was younger, I felt that I was out of place in life like I was very different than others. Now I feel better about it. I don’t feel like it is something I should hide, and I don’t think now that I am more different than people. Ever sense I read your book I have had it always in the back of my mind that I am special and that I was a wish come true, your book taught me that I am great and I was chosen for my parents for a reason.
Now I am 12 years old and I have learned a lot about my past life and myself. About 2-3 years ago I learned that my biological dad died. It did indeed hit differently. It hurts, but I'm doing good now. I’ve learned that I enjoy singing! I also learned that my biological mother may still be alive, and that maybe one day when I'm older I may meet her! Your book showed me the good and special side to being adopted and I can’t be more grateful for that. I’ve learned to look inside my heart. And forget about the bad times. Your book got me to this state of peace, you writing this book has helped me find who I am and has helped me learn to look on the bright side of things. It taught me that I was a wish come true, and me reading that really encouraged me, and I don’t know if you know how much it helped me and how good it felt when I related to this book it made me feel very special, because I was a wish come true. Your book has gotten me through tough times and has helped me find who I am and has helped me understand more about adoption and how to love that side of myself. I thank you for that. Thank you, Marianne Richmond, for writing I Wished For You.
Love, Anna