For Mothers Everywhere,

"YOU are making a PERFECT baby!!! Don't let anyone tell you that your baby isn't perfect. Don't let anyone carve any part of your baby off. The baby YOU are making is already perfect!"

For Timothy my Son,

You know that, if I could take one thing back in my life of many mistakes, it would be the circumcision of my sons -- the gravest mistake of all!

It is the pain and trauma inflicted upon you -- because I didn't know enough to protect you -- that will save untold numbers of other babies from the same suffering. It will never be enough -- because it won't be you and your brothers that are spared.

Still, I hope, as witness to your betrayal and trauma, it will help you to heal your most profound wound. And, I know you, too, will help protect the next generation.

With my deepest apologies and my greatest love,

Mom

It took me several days to recover and stop crying after I wrote that, and it still makes me cry every time I read it!

Marilyn Milos, R.N.