The Baptist Beacon

A Mother's Day Tribute

By Sister Connie Perrigo, Gallatin, TN

In a effort to honor Mothers on Mother's Day this year I would like to present this brief article. My life changed somewhat in the spring of 1990. I learned at the age of 38 that I was adopted. The emotions would be difficult if not impossible to explain. I failed in many ways to react like a Christian, for which I will forever regret. I found lies, half_truths and many roadblocks. Adoptee's, like all children, have a natural and desirable curiosity about his ancestors, about his biological heritage and the sequence of his generational connectedness. There is a gap of identity that contributes to a sense of distance from people, a sense of unreality. Those who reduce an adoptee's compelling need for knowing his true identity to a mere "curiosity" or a search for another and better mother, are cruelly unaware of this basic human need to be attached to one's true place in history.

God had a great hand in helping me in my quest. I located my adoption papers and had a name to start my search. One day I was in the library and noticed several copies of telephone books for this general area. I looked in each book, wrote down names that were similar and the address. I complied a general letter and mailed of thirteen letters on a Friday. By the next Wednesday I had some answers. A woman who claimed to be married to my birth father called and gave me by birth mother's name and address. I wrote to her and we corresponded for several months. She said she had an abusive husband who did not know of my existence. I stopped writing. I have never met her, talked with her or guess I ever will. She gave me names and birth dates and health information. She is just one of many faces in the crowds.

My adopted mother passed away January 7, 1997. Before she died I had learned to understand her reasons for not telling of the adoption. I understood her great desire for a child and willingness to receive a set of three day old twins to raise. God helped me to forgive what I though was unforgivable. I am still trying to forgive myself for allowing my understanding to take so long. She is no longer with me here, but in my heart always.

To my mother, Ruth M. Troutt:

Ruth Magdeline Carter Troutt entered this life on April 4, 1906, in Davidson County, to Hautie C. and Willie S. Carter and departed on January 7, 1997, making her stay on earth 90 years 9 months and 1 day. She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, two sisters, her husband Carnie Wilson Troutt and one daughter.

It would be hard if not impossible, to capture 90 years of an individuals life, but the most life altering event took place in June of 1960. At the age of 54 years of age, Ruth Troutt attended a funeral with her cousin, Ada Martin. Elder Robt. Gregory preached the funeral that day. After hearing the sermon, Mrs. Troutt realized she was lost and away from God. Under conviction from God, she accepted an invitation to attend the revival at West End Church with Sister Martin that evening. There in the alter, she sought the Lord on her knees with fear and trembling until she found Him precious to her soul. That was in June of 1960.

She joined the church there at West End and began to carry her twins, Connie and Carney who were eight years old. Several years later God saved them and Tommy Boze at an old fashioned prayer meeting the home of Brother and Sister Prentice Boze. Mrs Troutt had been a member of West End M.B. Church, Salem M.B. Church and Longview M.B. Church over the years. She was member of Longview at the time of her death.

She leaves behind one daughter, Connie Ruth Troutt Perrigo and husband Elder Steve Perrigo, one son, Carney Russell Troutt and wife, Vickie Troutt, and six grandchildren: Elizabeth Perrigo, Justin Perrigo, Alexander Perrigo, Allen Troutt, Adam Troutt and Jaimee Troutt.

She will be missed by a host of Family and friends.