Thank You, Son,
by Beth Kane
Aslan Publishing, 1999 Beth
Kane’s story is told in a straightforward, conversational manner. She
relinquished a son in 1947, which makes her story unusual among published
books. She went on to marry and have two daughters. Her husband knew about
her son, as did a few family members; but for the most part, she kept his
existence a secret for forty-five years, until her found her. The story of
their reunion and the growth of the relationships among all of the family,
including her son’s adoptive parents, is fascinating. The author also
became active in adoption reform, even though she had not previously considered
it. This book is not long or difficult to read, but has some profound insights.
For older birth mothers, and older adult adoptees, it offers an important
picture of the way society was in 1947, far different from today’s climate
with open adoptions and support for keeping a child as a single parent. The
author’s thoughts and feelings, from the past and from the present,
are important for all members of the adoption triad to know. The on-going
story of the reunion is joyful and uplifting, and the chapters written by
Beth’s husband and son help round out the picture. This book is highly
recommended to anyone with adoption connections.
— Barbara Free
|