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Sometimes defending yourself can make you look guilty.
I gave my Downs Syndrome baby, Rachel, up for adoption in 1988. I went on a local San Francisco talk show "People Are Talking" to discuss special needs adoption. On the panel was my adoptive mother, Stephanie, and two other mothers who had chosen to raise their Down Syndrome children. Before I went on I was scared. I knew someone would attack me. I just remembered Jesus and how he always spoke the truth with love, without being defensive. Well, a caller called into the show and was really angry at me, accusing me of being a horrible person, etc. I thought my heart was going to burst. I said, "Ma'am, I agree with you, I just couldn't do it." And then the other three women on the panel started to defend me. It was perfect. The caller was speechless. My goal was to let people know that adoption is a beautiful option - I don't believe in abortion. We, the people, who support President Bush, are his best defense.

Good mothers do what's best for their children. You exemplify that and are a blessing to Rachel's adoptive family. Those who understand the heartbreaking decisions that good mothers sometimes have to make couldn't help but defend you.