The years have come and gone and as another Christmas draws near, I think of my two sons who were adopted almost 40 years ago.
My sons names are Thomas Allen and Robert Joseph and are 42 and 43 years of age. My wife left us and we were living in Hempstead at the Cathedral Apartments off of Hempstead Turnpike. I had lost my job and was forced to place them in a foster home in Levitown. The couple were very loving people who had two sons of their own.
I joined the U.S. Navy in hopes of obtaining the necessary skills to better provide for my sons. Nassau County Social Services in Mineola had convinced me to place them up for adoption, which would be in their best interest and provide a more secure home life for them. The reason was that I had three more years to serve in the Navy.
As Christmas comes every year, I think of them and the last Christmas we all spent together before I had to ship out again to distant lands to keep our nation free for democracy. But on that last Christmas I spent with them I had the joy of watching them opening their presents. I would play with them and give them piggyback rides that they would enjoy. It truly was a wonderful Christmas and little did I know it would be our last.
I missed telling them stories and instructing that which was right and what was wrong. Not to mention reading them stories at bedtime and helping them say their prayers. I also missed out on teaching them how to play baseball and football. Oh yes, helping them with their homework. I often wonder how their lives have turned out and whether they have children of their own.
Christmases have come and gone as another approaches near and I still miss my boys these many decades later. I even keep a picture of both of them together in my wallet which I look at every morning before I go to work.
If my two boys read this I would like to say, “Please forgive me for the decisions I was forced to make but make no mistake, I still love you and always will. You are always in my heart. If we are able to make contact and make our peace this truly would be a Christmas gift beyond any gift I will ever receive.
And Tommy and Bobby may you and your families have a most blessed Christmas.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Glen Oaks Village
