Tokens

In the article on the London Foudling Hospital, which accepted abandoned children, I believe a great deal of speculations may be made about certain intentions. If a community could prosper by engaging in a sort of child care revival and help to increase the survival rate of future generations, then an organization such as this, could be greatly applauded. Mistreated or deserted children, would have a chance at a better future and a healthier life. It seemed to be a light which could bring hope to countless, unfortunant situations. However, while these intentions were well put forth, there remains a sad element to such an event. The number of children left to the hospital, by their own mothers, was astounding; these little ones were stripped of their true identity, name and blood relations; It would be a rare event for any of them to reconnect with their original homes and families. It is true, that many of these biological mothers may have been too poor, or possibly too young, to adaquately care for their child; and so, he or she may be better off in the care of another. However, this does not erase the tragedy of such a separation. The tokens, which became highly popular doing this time period, seem to represent the recognition of this tradegy; the infant's mothers, if in grief over the departure, would be able to attatch a piece of themselves, to their child. These tokens were a key to the infant's past and a snippet of where they came from. It may seem simple to state that one's self, is not about where they came from, it is about who they are, but such a statement is not as easily accepted. When one dwells on their past, the things of which have molded and influenced them, are very often elements of home, family and childhood. It is difficult to separate one's origin from their present state. With a lack of such knowledge, or experience, an abandoned child can only speculate of who they are, or might of been and of what past life lies beyond such a token, the only remaint of their past.