As I was growing up, I tried to keep the fact that I was adopted to myself because I felt different from other kids.  Don't get me wrong!  I had a wonderful childhood.   During my young adult years, I still felt there was a piece of the puzzle missing but did not actively pursue finding my birth family.  A few years ago, my sister found her birth family and urged me to find mine.  It wasn't until after both my adoptive parents passed away that I felt a real void in my life.  My wife understood this and asked if she could post the adoption information on a few web-sites.  I consented.  The first posting was made in August of 2007.

 

On December 29, 2007, my wife received an email from Marie Anderson of ALMA informing us that she had a birth mother member that she thought was a match to our information.  We immediately joined ALMA and sent in further info to Marie.  To our surprise, Marie called us and told us that my birth mother had joined ALMA in 1989 and they kept her files.  Marie found our posting and was able to bring up my birth mother's information.  Lucky for us, my birth mother had moved in the past 18 years but had stayed in the same area and kept the same phone number.  We feel even luckier because she does not have a computer so she is not posted on any adoption websites.  Thanks to Marie Anderson AND Jeannie Jackson, I was able to give her a call and make plans to visit her since she only lived an hour away from us.

 

That weekend, January 5th, I drove with my wife up to Brewster, NY to be reunited with my birth mother.  We also met her sister and went out for a wonderful dinner then talked into the wee hours.  Ironically, she has family very close to where we live and has visited many familiar places to us.  My wife and I joked that we probably sat in the same restaurant or walked past her at some point in my life.  We couldn't believe what a lovely woman she is.  She was also generous with her information about my birth father and the circumstances surrounding my adoption.  I hope in the near future, I might have just as positive experience meeting him.  Marie has been very helpful in assisting us to locate his whereabouts.

 

After our visit, my birth mother called the next day to reassure us that she would love to be a part of our lives.  We welcome her and her family with open arms.  I looked forward to this coming Wednesday which happens to be my birthday.  She told me that she thought of me on all my birthdays and she will now be able to wish me a happy birthday in person.  It will be the best birthday gift of all.   Steve (Adoptee)