[NorthSwan]

Hello All,
I am a MSW student who is also an adoptee. I found my biological parents in 1992. It has been an interesting road. Currently I am doing research on post reunion experiences and how this has helped to shape or challenged one's identity for my thesis. I have created a blog at http://www.adoptionhealing.blogspot.com and any stories, posts, or information concerning your healing process shared on this blog spot would be much appreciated. I will not use specific information in my research, but would, as a fellow adoptee, like to know what others have gone through in order to assist me in finding meaningful direction in my research process. Thanks so much!

NorthSwan
(Gwendolyn Ray)

[adoptionblessings]

Gwendolyn, Thanks for posting on www.families.com! I went to your blog and read your beautiful writings and love your tribute to your brother. Your adoption story is challenging and it is so sad that your adoptive parents likely did not have the resources, networks and supports to help them help you and your brother through your struggles, unresolved losses and emotional issues. I am so happy that you are in contact with your brother and you are succeeding in school in Social Work. You can be an encourager to so many persons from the compassion and insights you have gleaned from your own lifelong adoption journey. I wish you much success. I hope others will check out your Blog. Continue to write about your journey and thanks for sharing it in writing! Jody

[NorthSwan]

Jody,
Thanks for your response to my blog. Sometimes it feels as if it is a writing just hanging out in the ether without connection. Your post reminds me that this is not true nor is this true for individuals who have been touched by adoption.
gwendolyn

[cincofields]

Wow, what a whirlwind. Because I found this very site, and found more information on what and how to find Birth Families, I found mine!..I just joined this forum recently. I was so pleased with it, and the immediate response and answer to my post. Thank you!.
I used some of the information, and contacted a Search Angel or two. The one that responded was brilliant. Smile! Within a 24 hour period or so, she had given me so much information, that I needed to research. It was amazing. I started doing what she suggested in her very long and very informative email. I began calling some of the numbers, scared to death, and after many calls, found my Birth Mom.
Wow! What a life changing event! A pivotal moment in my life. I am sure some of you have watched those reunions on TV about Birth families, wondering if it would ever happen, and would it be ok. I was blessed! She was thrilled to hear from me, worried about me for the past 44 years. I even had a Grandmother who cried when she found out I had been found! Can you believe that? I have brothers and sisters, who have begun to call me from all over the United States, all starting with, "Hi, I am your Big Brother, or Hi, I am your Big Sister"!
The gammet of emotions is exhausting. I would have not been prepared had it not been for this site. Reading others stories, and seeing the emotions that can be involved helped to prepare me for my own. I can not thank you all enough for your posts, for your answers, and for the support I found here so short ago.
I truly believe this was the first step to preparing me for what now begins a new chapter in my life. Bless this site. And THANK YOU!...So it begins.....Cincofields.

[adoptionblessings]

Wow! Congratulations for finding your birthfamily! We rejoice with you at this exciting and life changing event! Though finding my family back 12 years ago- hearing your enthusiasm makes it feel like yesterday! How wonderful that you were welcomed and that your birth mom and siblings are eager to know you! It is not always the case with some who search and find. Remember to embrace this happy time, but also to set boundaries from the beginning with what you are comfortable with. It can be very emotionally overwhelming to one person to meet so many others and make decisions on how to navigate, meet people, share your lives. Always be honest and ask questions and do not just respond to please everyone and deny what your heart is saying. Thanks for sharing this exciting time and how neat that you clicked on the link from the first Post in this thread and found the organization with the tools to help you find your precious birth family!
Keep us posted on your journey- it is often called the "rollercoaster" by those adoptees, and birth parents touched by it. So we need to stay in touch with others from the adoption community who understand, have been there and can share their wisdom, support and encouragement through the ride!!
Blessings, Jody Moreen