Cathy

I found out that I was adopted on the playground when I was in grade school. My amom had told a friend of hers that I was adopted and the friend's daughter overheard the conversation. I walked out on the playground and about 20 classmates started yelling and telling me that I didn't have a real mom and dad. That my real mom was dead and so was my dad. The shock was awful. My aparents finally had to tell me at the age of 8 that I was adopted. Then I realized I could finally understand all the stares in Church on Sunday Morning. I could understand why all my cousins wouldn't play with me at a family gathering; why the older relatives hugged and kissed all the other kids, but not me; why my grandma said I was white trash. I had the luck of having two alcholics for parents. My amom liked to throw things, be it knifes or mops or a full bowl of pork and beans. She would tell me that I had "bad blood" and would never amount to anything. Then we would all (6 children, 4 natural) be drawn into the fights between mom and dad; Who wants to go with him? Who wants to stay with your mom? I ran away at 17, got pregnant, married a boy that was bribed into marrying me. Had a boy, a girl and another boy. Went through three nervous breakdowns, five marriages, two of which were wife beaters) and now at 54 years old need to find my Mother. I am disabled physically, but still a fighter mentally. I don't plan on giving up the search. And now that you think the story is done. On August 4th, my granddaughter gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Four days later, she went home with her aparents. This is to be an open adoption. It breaks my heart and soul to not be able to take her myself and raise her. Will she have this battle when she is old enough to search? Maybe I can't find my bmother, but I can make the journey easier for her.

Gen

I have been searching for my biological parents for medical reasons since January. I started by signing registries and researching info on adoption law. In April, I contacted the lawyer, Marvin Lundy in Philadelphia that handled my adoption and promptly received a letter stating that he did not have the records and could not divulge info due to his promise of confidentiality. I then went on to apply for non-identifying info in April. I had spoken to Joy and she had sent me an application for non-identifying information. This form asked if I would like her to make contact if possible on my behalf. I answered yes. I waited several weeks and called Joy at the Adoption Branch of the Philadelphia Courthouse. I was told she was on vacation. I called a week or so later and was told that she had been in a car accident. No one would be covering her job. She would not be back until July. Next, I got the name of her supervisor. I called at least twice a day and left both voice mail msgs and messages with the secretaries. She did not return my calls. To say that I found this practice rude is putting it mildly. Three weeks ago, I contacted Judge Paul Panepito and asked that he find out why I had not received the info. Finally she got back to me and after 2 wks. I received my non ID. The only thing stated is that my birth mother was 24 and single. No hospital, time of birth, etc. The lawyer had told my a-mom that she was 16. I was extremely disappointed and don't know what to believe at this point. In May I sent for a copy of my adoption decree which I have been told would have names eliminated but would hopefully give me a little more info than I currently have. There was a $30.00 fee to be paid by money order to the Prothonotary. Unfortunately, I misplaced my copy of the money order receipt. I still have not received the copy of the decree. I contacted the woman who handles this and was told that she needs the name of my birth mother to look it up and she had requested it of Andrea but had not yet received a reply.I called Andrea once again and was told she would call the woman with the info. A week later, she still has not done so and now she is on vacation. In the beginning of June, I sent for a copy of my birth certificate hoping that the long form would at least give the name of the hospital I was born in. I finally received this document last week ...the amended short form that does not give a hospital or time of birth. This has gotten totally ridiculous as medical information is something that becomes important both to adoptees and their children as time goes on. In many cases, it can be a life or death situation though luckily so far, it has not become that extreme for me yet. However, having my medical information could put a stop to some of the medical problems that I have already had. My adoptive mother supports my efforts to obtain the medical info as it is very important to me. Fayth