After interning at Gladney for almost 6 months, I can honestly say my favorite thing about working here is always being surprised by what will happen the next day. There are some days that are very typical office days; I have my to-do list; I get it done, and I go home always with a smile on my face and excited to come back the next day. Then there are days where things happen that really do surprise me! For example, this past Thursday I had walked over to Beth's cube to chat with her about tasks she need my help with. Not 30 seconds after we had finished discussing what she needed, she asked me if I could quickly run down to reception to be a witness to a birth father relinquishing his parental rights. I of course ran to help with whatever was needed.
While I had always planned on witnessing relinquishment at some point during my time in Gladney, I always had thought when I had the opportunity to do so it would be through a birth mother. I was shocked at how much seeing one man signing a piece of paper would affect me. It was a very matter-of-fact, non-emotional process, yet I noticed the poor guy's hand would not stop shaking the whole time. I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind right now. He just signed away his right to his own flesh and blood forever. I could only image what an overwhelming range of emotions from relief to fear to selfishness to sadness must have been consuming him. And I came to the conclusion that no matter what his feelings or reasons may be, he was ultimately committing an act of Love. His actions ultimately allowed the opportunity for his child to be unconditionally loved and provided for by their own Forever Family.
Everyone always talks about how God has a funny way of working sometimes, and in this moment, I was reminded of His ability to transform "mistakes" into beautiful miracles. It was a short experience that maybe some people wouldn't think anything of, but I found it truly awesome and thought provoking. It reminded me what a truly beautiful place Gladney is. The process of adoption is anything but easy, but Gladney demonstrates how the good truly outweighs all the bad. I am seriously so lucky to be able to work at Gladney, and I am so thankful for every single precious moment.
-Meg Scamardo
Colombia Intern
While I had always planned on witnessing relinquishment at some point during my time in Gladney, I always had thought when I had the opportunity to do so it would be through a birth mother. I was shocked at how much seeing one man signing a piece of paper would affect me. It was a very matter-of-fact, non-emotional process, yet I noticed the poor guy's hand would not stop shaking the whole time. I couldn't help but wonder what was going through his mind right now. He just signed away his right to his own flesh and blood forever. I could only image what an overwhelming range of emotions from relief to fear to selfishness to sadness must have been consuming him. And I came to the conclusion that no matter what his feelings or reasons may be, he was ultimately committing an act of Love. His actions ultimately allowed the opportunity for his child to be unconditionally loved and provided for by their own Forever Family.
Everyone always talks about how God has a funny way of working sometimes, and in this moment, I was reminded of His ability to transform "mistakes" into beautiful miracles. It was a short experience that maybe some people wouldn't think anything of, but I found it truly awesome and thought provoking. It reminded me what a truly beautiful place Gladney is. The process of adoption is anything but easy, but Gladney demonstrates how the good truly outweighs all the bad. I am seriously so lucky to be able to work at Gladney, and I am so thankful for every single precious moment.
-Meg Scamardo
Colombia Intern
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