My beginnings

When I was 5 years old, Mom and I were home, it must have been a ped day. Mom was a teacher. Mom was in the bath and I was watching TV. Adoption came up on the show I was watching, I was curious so I went upstairs to ask Mom what it was… I will always remember she was in the tub and I came in and sat on the toilet. "Mom, what's adoption?" 

Mom explained that it was when  a Mommy and Daddy can't take care of a baby so they give it to a family who can take care of the baby and love it forever.

I thought that was pretty cool. Mom had used the word chosen,adopted babies are chosen. I said "adopted babies are very lucky." 

"I am glad you feel that way, Janice, you are adopted." Mom told me.

She then explained that I was adopted at 7 months. Because after Mommy and Daddy had my brother, Ricky they had 5 other babies, but these babies were all sick and died in Mommy's tummy. The Dr said Mommy and Daddy would have to stop trying to have a new baby or Mommy could get very sick.

It was March, 1972 by the time my parents were approved to adopt. I was born on Feb 16th, 1972. They called the orphanage in Sept lies. The nun who they spoke to said there were no babies available. Why didn't the Nun tell them about me? 

You see, when I was born my little toes were touching and my knees pointed at each other. The nuns didn't think I would ever walk and they didn't think anyone would want the burden of raising a crippled child. My Mom and Dad kept hearing that there was a child in the orphanage and they kept calling… they were always being turned away. Finally come August My Dad call the orphanage when the Nun said there were no children  my dad said " I know there is a little girl there." "Yes, Mr Wigmore, but she will be crippled you really don't want this child you should wait for a healthy baby." My father insisted, "My wife and I want to see this baby, we have the means we can get her whatever she needs."

In September my parents went to visit me at the orphanage, When the nun brought me out I was wrapped in a pale yellow blanket. My Mom and Dad fell in love with me instantly. My big blue eyes smiled up at them. 

My Mom said "I don't care if she never walks, she is perfect."

I can walk today, my mom worked hard with me when I was little to turn my feet out. I could run and play with all the other boys and girls. I played baseball, volleyball, basketball,  I was a competitive swimmer and figure skater. 

God blessed me with my parents.