The Greatest Examples of Heart

“He who can reach a child’s heart can reach the world’s heart.”

On a Monday morning forty-six years, eight months and three days ago my mother received a phone call from the family’s doctor who was also a personal family friend.  He said he had a patient who was a young girl who had given birth to a baby girl on Sunday.  The young girl, realizing her limitations, had decided to give the baby up for adoption.  She, however, wanted to make sure the baby would be given to a good Christian family who would love her.

My parents already had four children of their own and financial challenges.  My mother told the doctor she would discuss the matter with my father and get back with him.  They decided to ask the oldest two children their opinion since the family as a whole would have to do without some material things in order to make this possible.  As soon as they came home from school that day, they shared their concerns with them.  I am told that both were very agreeable, and the rest is history!

Excitement surrounded the Wolfe family for quite some time.  The other children had a lot of fun trying to get others to guess about what was new at the Wolfe house.  Many guessed a television set since our family didn’t own one.  My brother used me as a homework excuse.  The youngest two had a new kind of doll.  Thank goodness they didn’t cut off all my hair like they did their fake doll’s hair.

So why would my parents get a call like that when they already had a houseful of biological kids?  I will never know the real answer to that question, but I have an educated guess.  Both had a heart for children, and both had a generous heart.  I can remember my father agonizing over two little boys who lived across the street from us who didn’t have a good home life.  I can remember him saying that he wished he could adopt them and give them the love they needed.  I remember my parents sending a couple of little girls being raised by a guardian to camp because they wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise.  I remember our house always being filled with other children some of which were seeking refuge in our home.

When my father died, the church auditorium which seated hundreds had standing room only.  My father was known for his generosity and soft heart, and the heart that reached my heart definitely reached the heart of the world.

My mother, whose heart has always been partially attached to mine, is an amazingly generous woman.  Those who know her appreciate her positive attitude and inner strength.  Her ability to lead our family through struggles amazes and awes me.  She has set an example for me in love and forgiveness.

God knew what he was doing when he placed me in their hands.  I think back over the struggles I have had in my life, and the example given to me by my parents.  I have made it through those struggles because of their example.  God has truly been taking care of me since infancy! 

Blessings,
Penny