THE VANGUARD
Vol.10 Issue 2 October 2007
Seven Siblings Reuniting
About three years ago, Kinsolving found my birthmother. I was born in NY and was in Father Baker’s Infant Home. As it turned out, my birthmother was a bit of a liar; however, I have now found all six of my siblings – and we’re all getting together next month! The state of Florida had taken five of my siblings away from her, so Mom is not going to be included because they don’t wanna see her. Go figure.
Thanks again for all your help – from all seven of us! Without KINSOLVING this couldn’t have happened. – JD/NY
Birthmother, 89, Wants Reunion
After receiving identifying information about my husband’s 89-year-old birthmother, I wrote her a short note then called her the next day. Lucid and conversational, in less than 5 minutes she provided the pertinent facts. Her first husband died, and she was pregnant when her second marriage was in the throes of divorce. She went alone to Chicago to await Sam’s birth. A Methodist, she had no objection Sam’s placement with a Jewish couple.
My husband has a full brother; they both served in the Army during Vietnam. Their father was a B-29 pilot during WWII, a fact that impressed him and his adoptive father who fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and participated in the second wave at Normandy.
Amenable to meeting, his birthmother plans to tell all three of her children about Sam. We’re planning a trip to meet them at the end of the year.
Sam's strawberry blond hair equates with the lineage from County Limerick; however, now his hair is white and he attributes that to having 3 daughters.
Thank you again for making this a reality! – CRR/IL
Death – Not ‘The End’
I am still amazed at the speed and professionalism of your service – and so grateful to you. Although my parents are both dead at least I know now who they were, and I have the opportunity to reunite with my family on both sides. I don't know how they're going to take the news. In a case like mine where adultery is involved (apparently on both sides), do you have any advice as I look toward making contact with my extended birth family? I'd appreciate any insight you might have.
Keep up the good work. As long as records remain closed and adoptees are treated as 2nd class citizens, services like yours may be the only means for adoptees to actually get what is their birthright. God bless you and Chris and all the staff of Kinsolving. – DR/NY
Eight Years Later
I’ll be eternally grateful to you for ending my search eight years ago. My Grandmother had searched for me for 30 years compared to my 13. She was such a gift, and so enriched our lives. Thanks to you, finding her made such a positive difference in my life as well as my family’s.
Sadly, this morning I got a call that she passed away last night. My youngest had a very special bond with her and told me last week (knowing she was ill), “How really cool it would be if we could take a field trip to Heaven.” Indeed, it would be! – VDG/NC |
