It is with great pleasure that I write this letter of recommendation on behalf of Paul and Martha.
I have known Paul for the greater part of my adult life - more than 20 years - and have had the pleasure of knowing Martha for more than 10. Both are remarkable individuals - kind, loveing and very grounded in the principles of honesty, respect and understanding of all peoples. To me they are my dearest friends who have guided me through times of laughter and sadness with their wisdom and grace; to my 6-year old twins, Milo & Daria, they are Auntie Martha & Uncle Paulie - and to many who know them they are a wonderful, down-to-earth couple who would do anything to help out a friend or person in need.From Martha's Godmother:
I have known Martha Chapman for her entire life, watching her grow and mature into a sensitive, thoughtful, creative, caring woman. Martha has extensive experience with young children as she is the aunt of 3 preschool boys. She has also interacted often with my 3 year old grandson who lives nearby in the Bronx.
Martha’s patience with boisterous, imaginative young children is remarkable. I just witnessed that again last week as I visited my son and grandson. She also teaches ballet to young children, has done this for many years with positive responses from the children and their parents. It is clear that Martha loves and understands children.
I have known Paul Pillitteri since he and Martha married in 2001. He, too, delights in young children and has an amazing, to me, energy in engaging them. He is also able to set boundaries and be the adult in charge when necessary.
Paul and Martha have a loving, engaged, insightful, and patient marriage. I have witnessed them at different times support each other through some difficult happenings. This was done without blaming or recrimination but with perceptive understanding.
I recommend Martha Chapman and Paul Pillitteri without reservation as they seek to become adoptive parents. Perhaps I should mention that I, too, am an adoptive parent with 3 children. Hopefully, that helps me to be aware, concerned and perceptive.
Sincerely, Shan
From our Pastor...
I am pleased to write a letter of reference for Martha and Paul in affirmation of their application to become adoptive parents.
I have been their pastor for 4 1/2 years. I found Martha and Paul to have been trustworthy, compassionate and progressive leaders, around which the church depended. Their compassion, commitment, and hopefulness drew the community around them. Their tireless care and gifted competence has continued to be a consistent gift to our new and growing church.
Additionally, as persons of faith, I have experienced them to have a healthy vulnerability and transparency, a way of life that affirms all people, a willingness to grow, and an exceptional gracious hospitality. Besides these, they are fun and simply a delight to be with!
A child who finds this family will be truly blessed and find nurture, love and wholesomeness. I endorse their application and would be glad to be in further contact with you, as you may wish.
Sincerely, Bishop Alfred Johnson
