Adoption Week e-Magazine Article
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Dear CA: It seems that we have something in common. I was born in Centralia, WA and my records have been sealed. I lost my b-mother and after that I was told by WA that if I had her written permission notarized, I could get them unsealed. Before that, when my mother was alive, I contacted them and they told me that I would have to hire an attorney. I did know my b-mother and I met my b-father when I was 22.
I am 53 now, and after seeing my father a couple of times, I have lost contact with him and I do not even know if he is still alive. To all parents that are adopting children, please be forthright in letting them know that they are adopted. I found out at school when a jealous girl told me that she couldn't see why I made cheerleader because I was a "b-----d child anyway". I then went home and my adopted mother asked me what was wrong, and I asked her if I was adopted and she said, "Yes, you are." Well it was the end of a family relationship. I asked her who my mother was, and she told me, "Aunt Barb is your mother," i.e. my adopted mother's sister.
Well I ran away from home a few times mixed up about the world. I knew all four of my parents and not one of them to this day have taken the responsibility of being a part of my life. My brothers and sisters who had their real parents have all made sure that I get nothing and no sharing. I have a brother (cousin by blood) in Oregon who tells me that he never wants to talk to me or see me ever again. I have not spoken to him in 5 years. I am sure that I am not missed.
I have lost all of my parents, but my adopted mother and I talk but are not close. When my b-mother was dying, I flew out to see her. Her daughter (my cousin) sat with her making sure that I did not have a minute alone with her. I left before she left us, and I knew that when I left that I would never see her again. I live in Missouri now with my husband and have a very large horse ranch, and I don't miss any of them. Well, I have said too much, but I wish all of you well in your search. I hope that you have a loving family who will support you in all your hopes and dreams. - DJ
