I Lived on Parker Avenue - Short Adoption Documentary

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  • Опубліковано 7 бер 2018
  • I Lived on Parker Avenue: A Short Documentary Film About Adoption
    I Lived on Parker Avenue has inspired the new feature film LIFEMARK set to release in theaters nationwide on September 9th, 2022. Learn more at www.LifemarkMovie.com.
    Adopted at birth and raised in Louisiana, David Scotton is on a journey to Indiana to meet the birth parents he’s never known. His tattooed birth mother, Melissa, and reserved birth father, Brian, anxiously wait for him, concerned David will reject them for decisions they made before he was born. I Lived on Parker Avenue is a short documentary about a mother’s agony in choosing what’s best, the joy of a couple starting a family, and young man’s search for where his life began.
    www.ILivedOnParkerAve.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 820

  • @RachaelDeBruin
    @RachaelDeBruin Рік тому +389

    This made me bawl 😭 I found myself unexpectedly pregnant at 19. Thank God for a dating ultrasound where I saw the heartbeat. That son is getting married this weekend. Thank God for His people that reached out to me in love & support.

    • @gracie3174
      @gracie3174 Рік тому +22

      Thank God for ultrasounds! It’s saved so many babies lives. It’s the gift of a lifetime….literally.

    • @meleasepolete7509
      @meleasepolete7509 11 місяців тому +1

      Give your child up
      Don’t abu😢you’re children.
      There’s other waiting a child.

  • @amandahammersley5476
    @amandahammersley5476 4 роки тому +85

    When he wrote letters to them at dinner I lost it. He was raised so right! Anyone will be lucky to marry this one.

  • @ladylaelpierce
    @ladylaelpierce 6 років тому +779

    I am a child who was adopted and DIDN'T feel loved or cared for beyond the most basic needs by my adoptive parents. My birth mother could have chosen abortion. As an adult, I have left my childhood behind me. If I let it effect me, I lose. I have a beautiful life, with a man who treats me like a queen and believes my opinions have merit. I was told I would never have children of my own, but long after giving up, after nine years of marriage, I had my first child, then my second, then my third and then my fourth. They are my world and my joy. Please don't think for a moment that the possibility of choosing not so great parents is worth ending that child's life. I'm here and four more beautiful souls are here because my birth mother chose life. I would NOT go back and change anything, lest I change something in the now, because the now is too beautiful to chance changing.

    • @Mary-re7gd
      @Mary-re7gd Рік тому +14

      Bravo!

    • @michellemybelle9591
      @michellemybelle9591 Рік тому +1

      So glad you weren't aborted. You wouldn't have a man that treats you like a queen or any of you children. 🙌🎚

    • @truejoie
      @truejoie Рік тому +17

      Beautiful ending ❤

    • @SkyeMoore
      @SkyeMoore Рік тому +19

      Thank you for sharing that. I appreciate the different, very valuable, experience and perspective.

    • @ATiredMom
      @ATiredMom Рік тому +15

      Thank you for sharing. Adoption is so beautiful. Abuse and neglect happens and it's tragic. Adoption is wonderful and your life is so valuable even when bio or adoptive parents mess up.

  • @sherrymacdonald261
    @sherrymacdonald261 Рік тому +94

    I too was adopted at 2 and I was adopted by the most amazing parents. They supported me on my search for my birth mother and I found her,reconnected with her, and my 5 younger siblings. By meeting her, it strengthed my love I have for adoptive folks all the more. My birth mother kind of ignored me the last years of her life( she has since passed), and I no longer hear from any of my siblings. My adoptive Dad passed away last year and my Mom over 10 years ago.I was extremely loved by them and wish now my childhood had not been such a struggle of " searching" and feeling I did not belong....because now as a 65 yr old, I realize I was safe and surrounded in love by my family who adopted me. Thanyou for sharing your story with us.

  • @EJBenko
    @EJBenko 6 років тому +319

    I was David in 1959 ...I was raised by two wonderful people who gave me everything life could offer. I met my birth Mother and two younger Sisters in 1992 - The circle was completed -

    • @cindiletchworth7647
      @cindiletchworth7647 Рік тому +4

      My friend was born in 1963 to a 16 yr old mother, and adopted. She would love to meet her birthday mother and tell her thank you but has not been able to locate her. Any direction you can give me?

    • @dianakaycadle7856
      @dianakaycadle7856 Рік тому +6

      @@cindiletchworth7647 Ask some of these commenters Who Searched Message them>Specifically like I did commenting to you & SOMEONE SURELY WILL RESPOND🙏🏻🙋🏻‍♀️ PRAYERFULLY IN ALL SINCERE HOPE❣

    • @maryammsafoum8549
      @maryammsafoum8549 Рік тому +1

      Gwpi

    • @soledada3227
      @soledada3227 Рік тому

      😮😮😮😮😮iuj😮

    • @soledada3227
      @soledada3227 Рік тому

      @@maryammsafoum8549 oi

  • @maliak341
    @maliak341 6 років тому +307

    I too gave my little girl up for adoption. . .we have reunited and she just found her dad..Thank you for this video..sitting here crying the feelings never go away. I gave her up because I love her. . .

    • @montcopatriots
      @montcopatriots 5 років тому +17

      God bless you, Malia.

    • @tonischroeder6716
      @tonischroeder6716 3 роки тому +17

      Malia K thank you for giving your baby life❤️

    • @gillianzohnert2323
      @gillianzohnert2323 2 роки тому +12

      Thank you for sharing your story

    • @wiiflix
      @wiiflix Рік тому +14

      That’s got to be the bravest most loving act I can imagine. True love means sacrifice, you’re amazing.

    • @SirBobMarley1
      @SirBobMarley1 Рік тому +8

      As a mother your love never goes away of all your children weather adoption or lost of life the pain never leaves you & to those to reconnect the burden becomes lighter in time.

  • @TravisGinther
    @TravisGinther Рік тому +266

    I was adopted at 3 years old. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. It’s been an incredible life.

    • @mariac4602
      @mariac4602 Рік тому +23

      Your post made me so happy. As an adoptive mom who loves her daughter more than life, I appreciate hearing of adoptive children who are happy with their family.
      My husband, daughter sand I are very close snd loving and deeply grateful to her birth parents who loved her and chose life.

    • @dr.calebrobbins.3177
      @dr.calebrobbins.3177 Рік тому +12

      @@mariac4602
      How refreshing to hear.
      However, as with many, many scenarios involving human beings there are many narratives. I am the eldest of three ... myself, and sister were adopted as children, my younger brother was adopted at 2.
      We were adopted by people who should never been permitted near children. We endured years of abuse. Physical, psychological, & sexual. My younger brother is of Indigenous descent (" Stolen Generation "), myself, am of Jewish background - mine was a Private Adoption, no longer legal in this Country. He and I were verbally abused,; disgraceful things were said and done. My sister & I were subjected to Sexual Abuse.
      I ended up running away @ 14.
      However,I turned things around with the help of good people. I worked and completed my education. There is a bond between we Three, albeit tenuous , keeping in touch very occasionally. The wounds still run very deep.
      Those adults are now dead and gone to answer for their heinous transgressions.
      Neither my sister or I brought children into the World.
      However, as far as I am concerned, I live a good life with my varied interests , etc. Education has been my way out and a good deal of psychotherapy. I am not resentful, wishing it all had been different. It's the narrative I've lived with, and on the flip side it has made me a sensitive, empathetic, stronger human.
      It is good nowadays there are alternative rescources to protect children from considerable wickedness. I firmly believe adopted children have specific emotional needs which must be met, and am always quietly pleased when I hear of positive outcomes for all.

  • @annskelton4720
    @annskelton4720 Рік тому +70

    David, you have grown into a remarkable young man. You mentioned that you often ask “why was I saved” well I feel you were saved because this world needs more good hearted young men like yourself. Your story touched my heart. May you continue to have a blessed life.

  • @Paola-jf2qf
    @Paola-jf2qf Рік тому +101

    I love the way the parents and grandparents embraced the birth mom. That made me tear up..both were grateful to each other for their own reasons.

    • @samsmom400
      @samsmom400 8 місяців тому

      She's a mother, not a "birth mom".

  • @ber9313
    @ber9313 Рік тому +47

    This young man is strong like his adoptive dad and mom to be able to manage this much forgiveness. It struck me that the dad said about the mom's heartbreak over her children, "I'm going to make this right." and how beautifully he did.

  • @terririmmer4706
    @terririmmer4706 4 роки тому +129

    As a birth mom, this brought me to tears. I had a semi-open adoption so I saw my little girl 2-3 times a year. She just started college.

    • @matthaviland5695
      @matthaviland5695 10 місяців тому +3

      Thank you for choosing life. 🙏❤️

    • @mskimrn9636
      @mskimrn9636 9 місяців тому +1

      You are a hero in my eyes

    • @samsmom400
      @samsmom400 8 місяців тому +1

      You are a MOTHER, NOT a "birth mom".

    • @augreybaker9800
      @augreybaker9800 3 місяці тому

      Thank you choosing life it’s a difficult decision choice one could make.

  • @darlagreen2872
    @darlagreen2872 Рік тому +7

    At 20yrs old, I was pregnant, confused and alone. I didnt feel I had but 1 choice, I live with that regret but God has forgiven me and continues to make beauty from ashes. Its been almost 40yrs ago. I share my story now also to maybe keep some young woman from living with a lifetime of grief.

  • @goemd1
    @goemd1 6 років тому +61

    I hope this film saves many babies. Thank you for doing such a great job.

  • @AudreyAL6
    @AudreyAL6 Рік тому +35

    I adopted two sisters and it was wonderful. We even got in touch with their mother

  • @lisameyer2920
    @lisameyer2920 Рік тому +39

    This precious human was given life. The bravery it took for Melissa to get up off that table is remarkable. Bless you! You also gave a couple a chance to be parents.

  • @karla7225
    @karla7225 Рік тому +62

    I was pregnant at 17..so glad my family helped me and I kept my baby. So glad each of you who gave these people the gift of life..whether you were able to raise your child or whether you blessed someone else with that gift. God bless us all!

    • @susannabonke8552
      @susannabonke8552 Рік тому +3

      Yeah. One can have a baby at 17, If relatives help.. then finish education.

  • @confidentalways7526
    @confidentalways7526 Рік тому +27

    Wow David has the most remarkable attitude. He is truly blessed. Everyone included in this story.

  • @julie8746
    @julie8746 Рік тому +22

    What an incredible story of love. I was born & adopted. Just met my mama at 55 years old & met my three sibling’s. It is amazing to have always known my mother chose life.

  • @patriciahaxby4380
    @patriciahaxby4380 Рік тому +64

    I am blessed with this video. I’m a Birth Mother; I placed my daughter for adoption many years ago. We were able to meet a couple of years ago. I know giving her life was the right thing to do. God intervened in both of our lives. I’m thankful for what He has done in our lives.

    • @GypsyGirl317
      @GypsyGirl317 11 місяців тому

      God bless you both so much, and your families. ❤️

  • @SolidRock-gn9zr
    @SolidRock-gn9zr 4 роки тому +23

    I too was adopted out in 1952 & have met my birth mother & family. I was blessed to take care of my adopted Mother in her old age & the last thing she told me was it the best thing she ever did. This video is a blessing. Thank you for sharing this.

  • @janetschexnayder2813
    @janetschexnayder2813 6 років тому +30

    I rate this film "5 Kleenexes"! What a story! I love adoption reunion stories that have happy endings!

  • @ShelleyMerritt
    @ShelleyMerritt 6 років тому +148

    LOVE this so much! I teach at an international graduate school in Manila. I just showed your film to an international class of women from seven different countries in SE Asia--Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. We were all moved to tears. They are all learning how they can better help educate and save lives in their countries when they return. May God continue to bless you and use your story in ways beyond all we can imagine!

    • @ILivedonParkerAvenue
      @ILivedonParkerAvenue  6 років тому +19

      Shelley - thank you for showing the film to your class and sharing news of their response. this is so encouraging. if you have any pictures or individual comments from the students, we’d love to receive! Contact us at info@ilivedonparkerave.com. Thanks!

    • @patriciacole8773
      @patriciacole8773 Рік тому +7

      Please pray and consider the fourth commandment KJV

    • @carolhale4331
      @carolhale4331 Рік тому +3

      Amazing what the Lord is doing with this one moment in time this one decision for life has affected so many even around the world.

  • @davekilfoile5895
    @davekilfoile5895 6 років тому +80

    A beautiful story, God knew you before you were born! Makes us all realize how precious life is!!

    • @gracie3174
      @gracie3174 Рік тому

      He knit you in your mothers womb.

  • @avecrux333
    @avecrux333 6 років тому +103

    Absolutely beautiful....what a gift to the world: both the witness and the life saved. David is a fine young man. God bless him, God bless his brave mother for giving him life.

  • @karbear26
    @karbear26 Рік тому +30

    I was adopted at only a few days old and have always known I was adopted! I grew up in a wonderful family and am so glad my birth mother had the courage to give me up for adoption! She would have been a single mother loving with her parents! My birth father was a coward and was in the Navy at the time as soon as he heard my birth mother was pregnant he switched bases without a forwarding address. My birth mother wanted me to have 2 parents to raise me and she knew she couldn’t provide me with that family! She did not want to see me at birth just for me to be taken away so she wouldn’t see me and change her mind! My birthday is December 26 and I wonder if Christmas is a sad time for her?

    • @elizabethann8228
      @elizabethann8228 Рік тому +12

      Undoubtedly. She lost you. And she'll never get you back. Mothers don't get over their children. But society expects birthmothers to. 😢

  • @darleneachille491
    @darleneachille491 4 роки тому +34

    Lots of TEARS!!!!! Thank YOU GOD!!!! I was conceived by rape and my Mother never once thought of aborting me!!! GOD & my mom saved me!!! Thank YOU GOD!!!!❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏😭😭😭😭😭🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗😀

  • @gonelooney5698
    @gonelooney5698 Рік тому +44

    Congratulations on winning the adoption lottery ! To those of us who lost that lottery it means so much to hear about people who won. So glad that you now have an even bigger group of people who love you, I wish the best for your whole family. : )))

    • @jenniferbrown9131
      @jenniferbrown9131 11 місяців тому +2

      Congratulations on winning beautiful human and personal accountability lottery!!! (Adopted person-blessed life with parents-extended Fam not so much. Met BioMom-it’s been a herky jerky ride). Your joy and gladness for another person instead of bitterness and jealousy-PRICELESS!!! Glad you exist- sending love, peace, and fully good vibes to you Good human!!!☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️💜

    • @mariahmunnis6315
      @mariahmunnis6315 9 місяців тому

      Sending love to you for your beautiful and heartfelt comment.

  • @kimberlyhannah17
    @kimberlyhannah17 Рік тому +29

    Best prolife documentary ever! Congrats. I am a volunteer adoption search angel. I assist adoptees and birth parents with finding their long-lost loved ones. Adoptees are some of my closest friends and I can't imagine life without them.

  • @kiriforever1
    @kiriforever1 6 років тому +46

    What a beautiful gift Melissa gave to David, David’s parents and grandparents! While a difficult choice, for Melisa to make, David had a wonderful life with the family that raised him! Bless David & everyoneone in his circle!

  • @marisalecki9698
    @marisalecki9698 Рік тому +14

    David is a blessing & you are amazing mother for giving him for adoption . Thank you God for the gift of life . May Jesus be with All of you that is involved in David’s life.

  • @cheramb4947
    @cheramb4947 6 років тому +130

    Poignant.
    Thank you for just simply sharing your story. I’m an adoptive Mom. I would love to meet my child’s birth parents but I have no idea if that will happen. Or if it would go as wonderfully as it has for you. No matter what, I’m thankful her birthmom chose life. I also love in the video where the birthmom says “I wanted him”. I think many adopted kids wonder “why they weren’t wanted” when they are and were actually very wanted . It’s a sacrifice to make a plan for your birth baby but out of love you hand them over and trust they will be better cared for than you can. Thank you again.

    • @realcanadiangirl64
      @realcanadiangirl64 Рік тому +14

      My mom and dad always told me that my birth mother loved me so much that she gave me to them because she knew that she couldn't take care of me like she knew I deserved. They were always very encouraging about me searching for my birth family if I wanted. I started searching when I was only 16 and found them when I was 21.

    • @ATiredMom
      @ATiredMom Рік тому +6

      @@realcanadiangirl64 love this!

    • @nanskiboutski243
      @nanskiboutski243 Рік тому +2

      I SO agree with you. For a woman to make a baby and then give them up to be adopted (whatever the reason) is the ultimate act of LOVE

    • @chrism746
      @chrism746 Рік тому

      @Cher Amb Adoption Search Angels may be able to help if you're still interested.

  • @2meirmeir
    @2meirmeir 6 років тому +58

    So beautiful! Knowing we ALL have an adoption story when we come into the family of God. Oh, what manner of love the Father has given to us... happy to become the children of God! Thank you for sharing...

  • @trishaprett7721
    @trishaprett7721 Рік тому +19

    Susan you certainly are blessed,a terrific husband,then a much wanted ,and loved son.David’s Mom,so selfless,putting her baby first.Many tears watching this.All people involved are so special.

  • @peggypark4508
    @peggypark4508 Рік тому +27

    As a adoptive parents, this was powerful for us. We also watched Lifemark (the feature film about this story) with our young adult adopted daughter. If you haven't seen Lifemark yet, you've got to see it, so wonderful.

  • @zoilashoemake8978
    @zoilashoemake8978 5 років тому +35

    Lat night I joined prolifers in Victoria Texas in our annual Candlelight Prolife March that ended at our parish. There, the prolife coordinator spoke highly of you and your testimony and then we watched your documentary. It was such a beautiful story of bravery and God's love and restoration. The healing...goodness the healing!! Very powerful! I'm very grateful to you and your parents for your willingness to share this story.

  • @mikenmonas
    @mikenmonas Рік тому +32

    Thank you David. I understand your sister's sibling yearning. I was adopted out of Germany and grew up in Indiana. I found out I had 4 full siblings (3 left living). I met them and within 2 weeks, had to go back to USA to my home. I missed many years with them growing up and still do...it's a positive and a negative....I am quiet about my pain but it gave me strength to see your positive outcome. Blessings on your family and life 🙏 ❤️

  • @moladhdodhia164
    @moladhdodhia164 Рік тому +27

    I wish I was adopted by his parents,what amazing human beings they are.

  • @erinpierce83
    @erinpierce83 6 років тому +20

    What a mature and insightful guy he's turned out to be! He completes so many people..

  • @daystar862003able
    @daystar862003able 6 років тому +72

    You are amazing David! What wonderful adoptive parents who have raised a remarkable young man! You are one blessed young man. I pray God will use you to help many other adopted children ❤️

  • @murzagildin
    @murzagildin Рік тому +15

    I have 4 boys and treasure every second of their existence, I don't think I could have survived giving one of them up. She must have carried such a huge burden for him all these years. I'm so glad that she didn't murder him even when it made sense to her to do so. I hope that every woman is brave enough to choose life for their babies. I wish they went a little more into how she dealt with his loss in her life.

  • @stephenlake568
    @stephenlake568 6 років тому +54

    This amazing story proves it's far better to adopt than to abort. I'm so happy for everyone involved 👍🤗.

  • @marzalufon
    @marzalufon 6 років тому +42

    So Beautiful, I cried so much, thank you Jesus 🙏🙏😇👏🏻👏🏻

    • @Inas2guam
      @Inas2guam 6 років тому +6

      ..tell me about it - I teared up! great "LIFE" story and lesson... I praise God for each day I am alive.... Cheers from OKC

  • @cherylchan67
    @cherylchan67 Рік тому +12

    David has grown up to be such a fine young man. Grounded , grateful and so good looking too! Kudos to both parents.

  • @August-pg4zs
    @August-pg4zs 6 років тому +40

    Wonderful! Bless you Melissa for choosing life and giving another family such a beautiful gift.

  • @carolhale4331
    @carolhale4331 Рік тому +8

    This documentary was so beautifully done. Thank you for the life-giving message. And thank you to all those strangers who stood on hard concrete sidewalk outside the abortion clinic to tell this woman that she actually has a baby in her. God bless you all.

  • @knielson1201
    @knielson1201 Рік тому +24

    What beautiful moving story. My niece is adopted. She has a wonderful life with such loving parents. We are all are so grateful to her birth mother for her decisions. It takes strength to give life. Thank you for filming this.

  • @realcanadiangirl64
    @realcanadiangirl64 Рік тому +7

    I found my married birth parents 37 years ago when I was 21. They had married two years after my birth and I had a younger sister and brother. They're divorced now and my birth mother doesn't want anything to do with me but I'm very close to my sister and brother. My adoptive parents and my birth dad are best friends now too!

    • @eleanorwcarmany8922
      @eleanorwcarmany8922 Рік тому +2

      That's the only way some people know how to handle their pain of regret. Like the Chinese mother in one of the other videos. It doesn't mean she doesn't love you. She probably just couldn't handle the pain each time she saw you. Perhaps each time you think of her you can reach out to her just IN YOUR HEART and send her the love and forgiveness she needs deep down. So that she can be healed too.
      Much love and prayers for you AND for her.

  • @barbaraunderwood1762
    @barbaraunderwood1762 Рік тому +6

    I had to give up a son n 1969 & it still hurts . Never have met him. I literally cried when he met his mom. Little sister really connected with him & that’s a good thing.

  • @bdwatson814
    @bdwatson814 6 років тому +5

    The son is soo beautiful and forgiven...oh and Pandora Radio brought me here.

  • @jillyb4880
    @jillyb4880 6 років тому +38

    So BEAUTIFUL! The sacrifice of the gift of giving away a baby, combined with the beauty of raising someone else's child. This is so incredibly heartwarming! Thank you for sharing your love, your pain, your triumph. The takeaway for me was..Wow, the power of one good decision. Amazing!

  • @lindahayes3003
    @lindahayes3003 Рік тому +15

    This a very touching story! I just had to look it up as I just saw the movie Lifemark tonight. Thank God that Melissa chose LIFE!!! 🙌🙌🙌

  • @kevinartan8541
    @kevinartan8541 6 років тому +31

    PHENOMENAL! Thank God for Life & those with the courage to defend and stand for it in a world obsessed with convenience.

  • @Solidrock-jq6rp
    @Solidrock-jq6rp 3 роки тому +11

    My story was very similar and I am very grateful to the Lord for my birth Mothers decision & for the parents He gave me. I have 5 children & 10 grandchildren & I’ve been blessed. God is good!

  • @annecaulder9495
    @annecaulder9495 Рік тому +15

    What a sweet, sweet story. David's smile was everything. And this is also a lesson about how we jump to conclusions that can be far off base.

  • @IrenePons
    @IrenePons 6 років тому +68

    Showing it to my entire Adoption Law class! Great documentary! Thank you for sharing your story with us.

    • @ILivedonParkerAvenue
      @ILivedonParkerAvenue  6 років тому +8

      thank you irene! we are interested in hearing how your students responded. feel free to contact us at info@ilivedonparkerave.com

  • @themonarcher314
    @themonarcher314 Рік тому +13

    Wow, what a beautiful story. I had to look twice when they showed photos of Brian as a teen, because David as a young man looks exactly like his father at that age. How wonderful to be so deeply loved by two sets of beautiful, giving, sacrificial parents. The Lord has been so gracious to you all. ❤

  • @smalltownmomma8024
    @smalltownmomma8024 Рік тому +35

    I am an adoptee as well, I completely relate to your questions and knowing I was different than my friends (they just couldn’t understand how it feels), the longing to find my birth family. God led me to them in 2012, my BM has paranoid schizophrenia and now dementia, and it was early stages when I talked to her on the phone, she was so very sweet and pleasant and a bit confused at times. I also met an aunt and her daughter, they were very kind but do not desire a relationship and I’m ok with that, I got to see pictures of that side of my family and learned their history (my history!). I did not have a happy childhood but I do have a wonderful family now and I’m so very thankful she chose life, and thank you for this beautiful story, I cannot wait to watch it❤️

  • @graceandme8042
    @graceandme8042 6 років тому +20

    God Bless You David....very powerful story🙏

  • @theresagonzalez287
    @theresagonzalez287 Рік тому +24

    I didn't meet my son until he was 39. He knew he was adopted since he was five years old. I missed so many years but still feel blessed to have many years ahead to develop a relationship with him and his family. It can be overwhelming, even fearful, of what happens next but, I believe, it's about one visit at a time. BTW, the similarities are uncanny - he has similar physical features and many of the same interests as me.

  • @AnnabelleJARankin
    @AnnabelleJARankin Рік тому +22

    This was so emotional! Courtney is a great kid and I so hope that she and her brother maintain their relationship. Blessings!

  • @sheliaoconnor4793
    @sheliaoconnor4793 6 років тому +24

    This is a beautiful story as the various depths of love unfold. David is a remarkable young man and his family definitely has accepted all that the Lord has given them. The forgiveness, faith and grace of our Lord abounds in this story of this wonderful family.

  • @anna_maria_79
    @anna_maria_79 Рік тому +14

    Wow respect how forgiving and positive that young man has been! Awesome! Thumbs up! What a gift!

  • @BD-to6md
    @BD-to6md 6 років тому +16

    Life is beautiful. Pro Life Feminist here !!!

  • @gillianbc
    @gillianbc 11 місяців тому +1

    Thank goodness Melissa was so brave to say 'no' and thank goodness for the brave person who stood there and said 'ten fingers and toes' and saved his life.

  • @marebear09
    @marebear09 Рік тому +16

    I just saw Lifemark, and it was incredible. I had to come see what it was based on. Life is truly a gift. Thank you for sharing this powerful story.

  • @erinwalker6185
    @erinwalker6185 5 років тому +2

    The 20 people who disliked this are heartless.

  • @lincolninpeoria
    @lincolninpeoria 5 років тому +30

    As an adoptive dad who recognizes the courage of our children's birth parents, I was touched to see this documentary and meet Melissa tonight. My brother was one of those other heroes, standing on the front line, day after day, on the sidewalk praying for the mothers going inside and their children, knowing that only a handful of the children would come out alive. He died the same year that Melissa left the clinic. My life too changed after that as I have been gifted with a generous, loving and beautiful wife and children who I hope will go on to make this world a better place.

  • @SuzanneDesign
    @SuzanneDesign Рік тому +9

    The street sign tied it all together; the title and the story. Lovely film

  • @alicelindborg5096
    @alicelindborg5096 Рік тому +7

    What a redemptive story! Brian and Melissa had a grown son to get to know rather than the memory of a death. Praise God!

  • @AG-ng8gt
    @AG-ng8gt 6 років тому +68

    Love. Love, love, love this. We're in the adoption process now and it's terrifying. My biggest fear is that our child won't like us, and also wondering how we'll talk to him or her about adoption and birth family in the future. There are so many negative adoption stories out there- this was so beautiful to see. Thank you.

    • @pookieinlove
      @pookieinlove 6 років тому +23

      Allison Gildner Start saying the word adoption at ever opportunity. My little adopted daughter "adopts" her baby dolls. I tell her the story of the day her other mommy gave me the chance to become her adopted mommy. Never paint adopted parents in a bad light...that will only teach your child resentment and that has no business taking root in a child's heart. Trying to control the variables of love, hate, acceptance, rejection..it will exhaust you and steal some of the joy of your relationship with your child. Put yourself in adopted parents shoes. No matter their situation, you can find compassion for them as a human being. Build your platform of presenting adoption on that. The Adopted Parents could be "disgusting" but as an adoptive mom, I feel love and gratitude towards them. They made a perfectly perfect sweet girl who makes my whole world more purposeful. I can't thank them enough. God Bless and congrats on your adoption.

    • @montcopatriots
      @montcopatriots 5 років тому +5

      God bless you!

    • @tammyvukonich5104
      @tammyvukonich5104 Рік тому +9

      Don't be afraid to talk about the adoption in front of your very small child. My daughter figured it out on her own when she was 3. She saw a pregnant lady and my daughter asked me if I remembered when she was in my tummy. I told her you weren't in my tummy, but in another lady's tummy. A day or 2 later she asked if I wasn't in your tummy, was I in Talia's tummy? So she figured it our on her own. Ours was an open adoption so I had met the birthpatents. What a beautiful miraculous blessing!! The birthmom actually planned a baby shower for us before the birth!!

    • @bettyluchford7038
      @bettyluchford7038 Рік тому

      @@pookieinlove i

    • @cathycalrow9111
      @cathycalrow9111 Рік тому +3

      Most adoptions turn out well on both sides. There are always going to be sad stories whether children are brought up by their birth parents or adoptive parents. So don't let that put you off. There is some very good advice in a longer comment here. There some very good books written for adopted children to explain their situation. I have kept one called "The Mulberry Bird" published in USA, which my adopted children adored. If I read it to my grandson when he is older, I think it will explain to him why he and his Daddy are not related to Grandma and Grandad or to the rest of the family, but that we do love each other and him. I wish you lots of luck on your journey and pray that you find the right child for you. I am sure that that you will find ways to tell your child his/her unique story and show that you love him/her.

  • @emilioalonzofrometa9724
    @emilioalonzofrometa9724 6 років тому +13

    As someone who was adopted this hit home for me, God Bless sir!

  • @agusservet7497
    @agusservet7497 6 років тому +6

    Cried like a baby!!!!!! Just AWESOME!

  • @jaymiller3412
    @jaymiller3412 6 років тому +39

    Thank you for sharing your stories. You all were so courageous to allow us to see your raw emotions and special reunion. I pray that millions of women and men will see this wonderful movie and also choose the life-giving option of adoption. God bless you all!

  • @2ndhandSue
    @2ndhandSue Рік тому +27

    What a beautiful story! And what an amazing woman Melissa is, very courageous to have made that decision alone when she was so young. I can't imagine going through 9 months of pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy child and then handing him over to another couple to be raised. It must be the toughest decision a woman ever has to make in her life, and it is also the most generous and loving decision. Her gift made it possible for another couple to become parents. It's so wonderful that they reconnected and everyone loves each other. David has been blessed with TWO sets of parents who both love him and want the best for him. And he found the most special gift of all - he has a little sister! I wish every young pregnancy could end this way, and I wish every adoption could be as filled with loving and caring people as this one. This is how it should be done. This video made my day, and probably my week! What an amazing story - truly a story of the greatest gift anyone can give. I hope they all live long, prosperous and trouble-free lives

  • @KrissiCreates
    @KrissiCreates Рік тому +9

    I was David in 1957. I was adopted at 3 months old by my amazing Momma and Daddy and lived an amazing life. I always knew I was a "chosen child" as they said. On my 18th birthday they gave my adoption papers with only my birth name , date born and place of birth. With the information of young woman. No Father mentioned. I was in awe seeing my birth name, feeling loved just by being given a name. I did not pursue doing anything with this information until after my Momma and Daddy passed away. I put my information on every adoption registry out there. No responses, until my 58th birthday. Simply identified as Old man that knows your story. When I reached out his family informed me he had passed away. For my 59th birthday my son gave me a DNA kit. God surely had a plan as the first person that popped up was a high match. Contact made, turned out to be my Uncle on my Birth Father's side. After talking on the phone he knew immediately which of his 3 brothers was my Father. Long story short, for my 60th birthday I got to run into the arms of my Poppa, as he asked me to call him. Surrounded and supported by his wife ,4 half siblings and their families. There is nothing like the feeling of finally seeing who you look like and where certain manorisims come from. My sister, 2 years younger than I could be twins !!! During this same time I also found my birth Mothers side. Sadly she had passed away 7 years prior. But I would later go to a family reunion that as soon as they saw me get out of the car, they knew I was theirs. Such an amazing feeling. I wanted 1 thing through out my life and that was to thank my Mother for giving life to me and that I held no bad feelings toward her, only loved her. I was only given that chance standing by her grave. But I know in my heart she heard me,as it gently rained like tears from heaven while we stood there. I also have to half siblings from her side. We don't say half siblings on either side, we're just brother's and sisters. Today at 65 1/2 years old I talk to my Poppa everyday, we live several states apart. But I go up every year to spend time with them. Every other day my brother ,on my Mother's side , are on the phone. Treating each other as siblings do... lol. Laughing, teasing but mostly loving each other! What a blessing to my life. I know my roots, my ancestry and my story of how I came to be ! Loved your video. So touching. I cried when you held your birth Mom and Dad and hearing their story. We are both blessed, as many adoptees never get this chance. Hope and pray life is treating you well !!

    • @azwife35
      @azwife35 Рік тому +1

      I too was adopted in 1957, at birth. I found my birth mother in 1986, but didn't have contact with her, only a sister n law, which has been wonderful. I found my birth father in 2003 and my dad was with me when we met him. I subsequently met his whole family. I, too, knew I was a "chosen child" - in fact I still have a book the adoption agency gave my parents when they adopted me, called "The Chosen Baby". After I was adopted, my adoptive parents were blessed to have 2 children of their own, and I was just confident enough that I would sometimes say "You were just born to Mom & Dad, but I was chosen!".

  • @CassandraSusan
    @CassandraSusan Рік тому +15

    What a beautiful story! So proud of all of you for dealing with this situation with so much selfless love!

  • @kathiehand
    @kathiehand Рік тому +3

    What a fabulous story!

    • @miketackabery7521
      @miketackabery7521 10 місяців тому +1

      Now I don't have to comment because you wrote EXACTLY what I was going to! 😉😅

  • @dorothyb3713
    @dorothyb3713 6 років тому +13

    Truly one of the most heart-warming stories I've ever heard. The courage displayed by David's birth mother is refreshing, and I hope that this story will give courage to other women who find themselves in a crisis pregnancy... to give life to their baby, and maybe even again to an adoptive couple who long to be parents. And David... what a wonderful and mature young man! May God continue to richly bless you in life, David, wherever you go, whatever you do--He has a plan for your life and I can see you want to fulfill it. Thank you to all of you who shared this beautiful, poignant story.

  • @dnaka723
    @dnaka723 6 років тому +15

    Powerful!!! Amazing young man blessed with awesome adoptive parents and extended family. And, the birth parents were courageous, especially Melissa.

  • @broostermom7191
    @broostermom7191 6 років тому +31

    Thank you so much for sharing this story. It was so moving and I cried through the whole thing. What a wonderful young man David has become and his adoptive family, including the grandparents, is fabulous.

  • @snappysnap955
    @snappysnap955 6 років тому +28

    Really, really beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing your story. It was wonderful to see how healing it was, and I hope that you will continue to keep in touch with each other, it looks like you will. And I could tell that it was very important to your little sister.
    God bless you all.

  • @faithandflavor
    @faithandflavor Рік тому +4

    Glory to God 😭 What a beautiful reunion!

  • @MsMystic77
    @MsMystic77 5 років тому +3

    David, we are extended family. You are a blessing to the world!

  • @tacitusromanus8239
    @tacitusromanus8239 Рік тому +4

    What a beautiful story! I was adopted at 4.5 months. I finally found my birth mom at age 31. My birth father had passed in 1982. She was a mess telling me on the one hand, she would have aborted me, but it would have been on her conscience, to how she would never let anyone separate us again. I went into the search not thinking about my birth father, but he would have been much more open to me had he been alive. Searching made me really appreciate my adoptive parents who were my Mam and Dad, who truly loved me and gave me a wonderful life. I know my life would not have been as good had my birthmother and father kept me. I love the pro-life message in this story. There are so many couples who would love to have their own children, but for whatever reasons cannot. Choosing life over abortion is a winner for so many. Meeting his birthparents was cathartic for David, I'm sure. It also offered them closure. I love how David's parents and grandparents welcomed Melissa and Brian too.

  • @smcb2202
    @smcb2202 Рік тому +5

    The family’s full acceptance and unconditional love at the dinner table was the best part. He finally realizes no matter what happens in his life, who comes into it that this is where he belongs. We all want to belong. So beautiful.
    Lindsay in Ontario 🇨🇦

  • @cynthia6637
    @cynthia6637 6 років тому +13

    I can sure relate... adopting a daughter in 1976...

  • @cardinalstudios5889
    @cardinalstudios5889 6 років тому +20

    What a beautiful film! A compelling and powerful story. A work of art with the cinematography and composition. Will definitely share.

  • @firewaterbydesign
    @firewaterbydesign Рік тому +15

    Beautiful documentary!!! 👏 This should be shown to *EVERY* single woman who walks into an abortion clinic *BEFORE* they make the tragic decision to take a life!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!! ❤

    • @gracie3174
      @gracie3174 Рік тому +2

      absolutely! Share it everywhere. It will save lives! Blessings

    • @firewaterbydesign
      @firewaterbydesign Рік тому +3

      @@gracie3174 I became pregnant after my divorce and my family tried to pressure and push me into having an abortion. I refused to do it. I now have a beautiful 34 year old daughter and she and her husband gave me a beautiful granddaughter. Abortion is NEVER the answer!!!! Imho 😊

    • @gracie3174
      @gracie3174 Рік тому +2

      @@firewaterbydesign God blessed you! I’m so happy for you! If only these poor girls understood the magnitude of their decision they would never choose abortion. They live with that guilt forever. Parents, please don’t push your children to abort their baby! You kill a baby and a mother’s soul. Choose life! Every child has a soul and is a child of God🙏

    • @firewaterbydesign
      @firewaterbydesign Рік тому +2

      @@gracie3174 When my daughter found out that she was pregnant, his mother had given my daughter a list of EVERY abortion clinic in our state and the price of the abortion, in LESS than 24 hours of finding out that she was pregnant!! NO JOKE!!
      I told her to hold off from making ANY decisions prior to speaking with a doctor and had her make an immediate appointment. Why you ask? Because that was my flesh and blood that she was carrying and I knew that once my daughter heard that baby's heartbeat 💓 that she would NOT be able to kill her child!!!
      My granddaughter is now 14 years old and her parents are STILL together!!! The other grandmother 👵 delights in having a granddaughter that she almost badgered my daughter to kill!!!

    • @gracie3174
      @gracie3174 Рік тому +3

      @@firewaterbydesign thank you for sharing your story! How I wish everyone that though abortion was the answer would just stop and realize that a life although not born, was already created. Abortion is not the answer. The poor girls pressured into it live a life of guilt and depression because they know they killed their baby. If one truly cannot raise their baby, there are plenty of couples just dying to give your gift of life a beautiful home. These children that are adopted are so grateful that their mothers chose life!
      Thank goodness this grandparent had the wisdom to get the ultrasound. That heartbeat is your child’s very life. If aborted, you’d be killing your baby in the womb because you can’t see it….would you kill that same baby outside the womb? No!
      Please never encourage a girl to get abortion…it’s never a solution! It’s a act that lives with these poor woman for life. It’s doesn’t solve anything, it compounds problems. If these babies are allowed to be born, the mothers and grandparents are so happy that this child is in their life! Choose life!

  • @yvonnepagan9912
    @yvonnepagan9912 10 місяців тому +1

    I was pregnant at seventeen, almost eighteen. He was nineteen and a half. That was way back in May 1971. We married , lived in a caravan in his parents back yard and everyone was delighted when Joanne was born. She still delights everyone she meets. We have another daughter and a son. They are all grown and have families of their own. Hubby and I did it really hard for many years, but with the help of his family and the love and acceptance of everyone we have had many good years altogether. I was very lucky……and I know it

  • @SonaPod
    @SonaPod Рік тому +5

    Oh, thank you David for your story. I am just about 50 years old without children. But I still have a hope. I feel like a bit crazy lady. I wanted child so much but it didn't come and than I got sick... Melissa made great decision. You are here because she loved you. God Bless You.

    • @elizabethann8228
      @elizabethann8228 Рік тому +1

      " You are here because she loved you. " 💜 Bingo. Praying for Melissa. A mother's love is fierce and doesn't fade over time. ✝️🙏🕊

  • @mikehenson819
    @mikehenson819 Рік тому +6

    Perhaps the most beautiful blessed true life story I've heard in a long time! We need more stories like these. It gives hope in a very dark World. And there are far too many people who need to hear about miracles like this!
    May God continue bless you all !

  • @nonotever
    @nonotever 6 років тому +12

    ...still cryin, beautiful story, beautiful people ❤️

  • @super7dsmom
    @super7dsmom 6 років тому +6

    Thanks for sharing your story..I was also adopted in 1963. I found both birth parents and had a good experience connecting with them as well..truely ment a lot to me to do it..took 37 years.

  • @Mary-re7gd
    @Mary-re7gd Рік тому +2

    Thank God that this mother allowed her child to live! She chose life!

  • @Joycezg
    @Joycezg Рік тому +5

    Fantastic film, a most beautiful story, a most loving family, and the story of how they became a family.

  • @acmeallpurpose4974
    @acmeallpurpose4974 Рік тому +1

    What a brave and powerful woman to get up off that table. To carry that guilt for years and he didn't hesitate to tell her he didn't hate her for almost doing it. She couldn't even process it at first.

  • @BenitoMaray
    @BenitoMaray Рік тому +1

    I have rewathced this film countless times, and each time I do, I am so very teary eyed. David has grown to be a very fine young man. Thank you for sharing.

  • @Coupal1
    @Coupal1 Рік тому

    This documentary should be shown in EVERY HIGH SCHOOL! it should be part of the curriculum without question.

  • @arlessadouglass4428
    @arlessadouglass4428 6 років тому +3

    I hope I find a man like David one day.

  • @jessicacreasy9173
    @jessicacreasy9173 Місяць тому

    That's a true Mother to want your child to know his birth parents if possible. This boy was raised with true love.