Tag Archives: bride and groom

A Glimmer Of Hope

And then on October 28, 1996, my world changed forever. I went out to get the mail, and there amongst bills and ads, was a big white envelope addressed to me. I didn’t recognize the writing on the envelope but it was definitely a personal letter, and a rather thick one at that. I’m not even sure that I made it to the door with my envelope before I had torn into it. Inside the envelope I pulled out another purple envelope, again addressed to me. This one had a big red rubber stamped mark on it that said “Attempted, … Continue reading →

Healing A Broken Heart

It wasn’t all horrible from there, although it did get worse for awhile. Yes, I was very angry that my mother did not want contact with me. I was angry that she was trying to hide from giving me away. I was angry that she could turn her back a second time. However, positive things happened too. Over the course of the year that followed, I got to know my brother really well through several weekly letters in the mail, and a few weekly phone calls. We probably ran phone bills up frequently by spending hours on the phone. The … Continue reading →

A Dream Was Shattered

It wasn’t long after the contact with my sister that I began to really wonder where my birth mother’s heart was in all of this. I still hadn’t heard anything from her, no relatives said anything about how she felt, and I just didn’t keep asking. For awhile, I was content with the relationships I was building with my biological grandfather, biological uncle, and both my biological brother and sister. But eventually it did get to me. Eventually, it made it worse talking to them, because the more they talked, the more things I wanted to know about her. The … Continue reading →

The Search Notebook

The Search Notebook is probably one of the most essential items you will need during your whole search. It is the location you will write every detail of every process you undergo throughout your search. This notebook is best served as a 3-ring binder. It allows you to insert page protectors and looseleaf notebook paper for notes. The number one rule in any adoption search is to make copies of everything! It’s simple. If it pertains to your search, it needs to be recorded, or copied. I have a copy of every letter I’ve ever sent to anyone regarding my … Continue reading →

Who’s On The Other End?

I still remember where I was when I received that phone call. I was standing in my kitchen preparing dinner for my now ex-husband and our baby. My husband answered the phone and after a moment of talking, handed me the phone. He had a strange look on his face, but I didn’t know why. I took the phone and said “Hello”. And this is what I heard. “Hi Nicole, this is Todd, your brother. My mother is Robin also. Uncle Ken* gave me your number.” It took my breath away. I thought I was going to drop the phone. … Continue reading →

The International Soundex Reunion Registry

The first place to start in any search, is with a reunion registry. You need to register first, because it is something you can do without much information! What is a reunion registry? It is a system for matching persons who desire contact with lost relatives, family members or their next of kin-by-birth. Anyone can register, so long as they meet the following requirements: Must be a member of the adoption triad in some way. Every one registering must be at least 18 years of age or older. An adoptive parent of an adoptee who is under the age of … Continue reading →

More Personal Records Checklist

There are still even more documents and records you can check for possible information on your adoption or leads on finding the person. Requesting the information is easy and the worst part is just the waiting game. Everything takes time and many of these agencies just their sweet time about everything. I found that being patient, however difficult it seemed to be, was the only way to get through all of the search. Several of these resources require you to have information about the person that you might not already have. Just be patient and remember it’s an avenue you … Continue reading →

The Photograph

That night I remember not being able to sleep at all. I tossed and turned and couldn’t get the thought out of my head that I was going to “see” her the next day. It was what I had been waiting for. Of course beyond that I was just trying to process all the information he had given to us. I was his granddaughter. There was no doubt about that. But he hadn’t seen my mother for all these years. Now what? The next morning as we drove out to Magnolia again, I couldn’t help but be nervous. Even though … Continue reading →

Grandfather’s Eyes

As I looked up into the doorway, my heart stopped. I looked back towards the car for a moment to catch my breath and catch the eye of my husband, whom I knew had to see what I saw. Standing before me was a man, who there was no doubt was related to me. None. The eyes, the face, oh my gosh! Those eyes. My grandfather’s EYES! They were so blue… and so gorgeous and I wanted to cry, but instead, I just stood there – having no idea what to say, trying to hear Terrie talk, but being so … Continue reading →

Who Was This Man

My story is a long one if you haven’t seen that so far. As I’ve already mentioned, we had visited all the locations I needed to visit for my own peace of mind. You know – those places that I just needed to see? Deep breath, now it was time to go find these two address’, where my “relative” was known to be living with this Linda R. The first place we came to was a beautiful neighborhood, nice large, gorgeous houses. We got out and walked around, and I felt nothing. I felt weird about walking around someone’s property, … Continue reading →