Adoption and Faith: A Caller’s Legacy of Gratitude

Larry, a caller on the show Father Simon Says, described a life shaped by a single condition set by his birth mother. Although he has never met her, he knows she specifically asked that he be placed with a family that would raise him in the Catholic Church. Larry called that decision the greatest gift he has ever received.

Larry grew up knowing he was adopted. He described his adoptive parents as loving and devoted. He has never sought to replace them, but he holds a persistent hope. He wants to meet his birth mother or a member of her family, not to change his past, but to express thanks. He said, “All I would be able to say is thank you.”

The conversation expanded beyond Larry’s personal history to examine the nature of family ties. Father Simon shared a memory of his late brother, John, who adopted his first son before having two biological children. When people referred to the younger siblings as John’s “real children,” John pushed back firmly. He stated, “I have 3 real children.”

Father Simon connected these personal stories to a theological concept. He argued that adoption mirrors the relationship between God and humanity. He reminded listeners that all people are adopted children of God. The discussion framed faith transmission as a core component of parenthood, regardless of biological connection.

Father Simon ended the segment with a prayer. He asked for the possibility that Larry and his birth family might be reunited if it aligns with divine will. The segment concluded with a promotional note for the Relevant Radio App, which hosts the Best of the Week episodes.

The exchange serves as a concrete example of how adoption stories function in public media. It highlights the emotional weight placed on religious upbringing and the enduring desire for connection among adopted adults.