My adopted parents gave me the information to contact the ALMA Society in the late '70's. I never believed that I would find my birth family because I knew my birth name but had no idea any of my birth families' first names.

 

I found out in 1986 that I was entitled to non-identifying information from the NY Foundling where I was adopted. I requested this information in 1986, but I never heard back from them,so I just let it go.

 

In 1995 I wrote to the Foundling again. I received a letter back indicating that they did not really have much more information than what they sent me in 1986. Well, I called the Foundling because I never did receive my non-identifying information. They told me my information was sent to the NYS Registry. I registered with them and never heard from them.

 

In 2008 I called the NYS Registry, and they told me no one had ever searched for me and that they did not have any non-identifying information for me. They stated that in 1950 when I was adopted the parents were not required to give any information. I was devastated. I thought I would never find my birth family.

 

I contacted the ALMA Society and spoke with Marie. She built up my confidence and then I contacted the Foundling by phone. They did have my non-identifying information... On Dec. 8, 2008 I finally received my information. With the help of Marie from the ALMA Society, and a couple of other people and search sites, I called 411 in one city in FL but there wasn't a listing for the person I was guessing was my sister. Then I tried using what was her married name,even though I had discovered she was divorced. I got in touch with a woman,who I later found out was the wife of my sister's ex-husband. I told her my story that I was adopted and was looking for my sister, Jeanette. She said that Jeanette lived in almost shouting distance. She was not comfortable giving me her number so I gave her mine. It was 8:30 PM. I waited until midnight. but no one called.

 

The next day I got a call from my sister's 28-year old daughter. She said her Mom was in shock. When I told her my birth name, there was a slience. My middle name was a bit unusual.  I always thought it was my mother's maiden name but the reason for the silence was my middle name was my paternal Grandmother's first name. This is what convinced my sister that I probably was her sister because what are the odds that I would have the same name as her Grandmother? My sister needed to digest it all, so I didn't speak with her until the next day. My niece sent me family pictures and documents that day.

 

I found out there were seve children including me. The oldest was adopted, and my sister did not know about her. Another sister is deceased. My brother was murdered for $3.00 while driving a taxi cab in Jacksonville,FL and he was only 28 years old. There is one sister in NJ and then there is a sister that is one year older than myself who also was adopted. I am now starting to search for the two other sisters that were adopted.

 

I now speak weekly with both of my sisters. My sister in FL and I did a DNA test, and it was a 100% match for the same mother.

 

This January I drove to FL and spent the weekend with my sister and niece. It was like we had never been apart. I could not ask for a better reunion. I feel very blessed because I know some reunions aren't so friendly.

 

Summitted by Betsy (ALMA Member) March 8, 2009