Update your contact information! Contact Us How to Help Us		The Pregnant Father Ponders Simcha Raphael October 24, 1998 No kicking in the belly Or late night hunger surges Remind my body of your immanent birth in my life. Sure I have gained a few pounds Too many cookies eaten to silence The din of anxiety. Though another's body, another's loins birth you into the world I stand pregnant inside Readying to catch you as you land in my arms. And I shall call you Son, Daughter And you shall know me as Abba-Daddy. Never, ever can I remove the empty scar of orphaned life. All the knowing of time and mind Can't fill the wound, nor answer why. I only know in this pregnant moment of time Your destiny and mine are being called to meet. You, the Orphan I shall call my Child. I, the Pregnant Father Praying to be worthy to love you in the fullness of time. Praying to birth from within me Compassionate wisdom, patience, and love Abundant energy, humor and a gentle spirit. That I may respond to your cries And fulfill this destiny we have created Aeons ago, in the womb of eternal time. Reprinted with permission of the author. This poem published in Adoption Today in July 2002. About the author: SIMCHA RAPHAEL, Ph.D., is a transpersonal (spiritually-oriented) psychotherapist in private practice, affiliated with Mount Airy Counseling Center. His practice focuses on the integration of spiritual and psychological issues. Ordained as a Rabbinic Pastor, he also teaches in the Religion Department of La Salle University, and serves as a Spiritual Director at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. He is an adoptive father and he and his wife, who is also a Rabbi, have worked together to create family life rituals with other individuals, couples and families. See also: Jewish Adoption Ceremony Phone - 215/782-8910 Email - drsimcha@verizon.net Return to Articles & Books on Jewish Adoption Return to Stars of David Home Page
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