SEEN IN THE BLOOD

On August 10, 1930 on a crisp morning in the sleepy little town of Holdenville, Oklahoma, the birds were singing and chirping as if they were trying to tell someone a story.  As the Dilday family awakened and began preparing for the busy day ahead, little did they realize the events of the past few hours would touch not only their lives but many others in this small town.

Mr. Dilday opened the back door and stood looking at the beautiful peaceful day as yet untouched by the hustle and bustle of everyday life that comes as routine when you own and operate a hotel.  As he started to pick up the fresh milk left by the milkman, he noticed a bushel basket setting on the door stoop.  Even though a bit puzzled by its presence, he heard a faint sound and looked inside the basket.  He thought someone had dumped some baby kittens to be given away.  As he peered inside, he saw the basket lined with newspapers.  Much to his surprise, inside he saw a new-born baby girl that had not been washed or clothed since birth.  Shocked was not the word to explain what he feltas he blinked his eyes to make sure he wasn’t imagining things not really there.

Excitedly, he gathered the basket in his arms and hurried into the house.  He was trying to stay calm; but after all, it wasn’t every day, especially in 1930, that you found a new-born babe on your door stoop.  As the Dildays discussed the event, they decided the proper thing to do was to call the police and to take the child to the local hospital.  The baby girl was taken to the Holdenville General Hospital where proper care and nourishment could be given while her parents were located and authorities learned why she was abandoned.

When the story was published in the local newspaper, phone calls began to come in to the hospital, asking about the possibility of adopting the child.  One such contact was made by a young childless couple living in the rural area close by.  After being interviewed at the end of three weeks, the young couple was allowed to adopt the baby.  The child’s mother was found, and she gave her consent for adoption.  Little did anyone realize the impact of this birth on the lives others until, in later years, the Holy Spirit revealed that the hand of God weighed heavily on this child.  He had watched over her since birth.

Perhaps, you wonder how that statement can be made about a story such as this one.  The reason why is I was that baby girl.  Only as the precious Holy Spirit showed me by vision and revelation, did I realize how my being abandoned then later adopted has affected my entire life until this day.  I feel very fortunate to have been reared and loved as though I was Mom and Dad’s own flesh and blood.  In fact, many times I have seen my Mother’s heart crushed by the cruel remarks of thoughtless people.  Usually, they would ask, “How can you take someone else’s child into your heart?  She isn’t even your own flesh and blood and was abandoned by her own mother.”  Remember, adoption was a stigma in 1930, not considered the blessing it is today.  By hearing these remarks as I grew up, I realized something is wrong when people can’t accept you for who and what you are.  I kept thinking that love must be more than just loving your own flesh and blood.