[l-thompson]

Every situation is so different , every person is different, so there are many different responses to your questions..

I am a reunited adoptee and I can share my experience with you however not every reunion has been as wonderful as mine - the outcome was more than I could ever have imagined. To answer your questions from my experience:

My birthparents always thought about their firstborn - thats me! Birthdays, Christmas's, special family occasions - I was always with them in their hearts they tell me.
They always hoped that one day they would hear from me but as the years went by they had given up hope. They never felt it was their place to search for me ( the result of being told to move on and forget by the adoption society) They also had no idea where to even begin. They tell me the day contact was made was one of the happiest days of their life - they said their family circle was now complete.

I have been incredibly blessed - I have been welcomed with open arems and unlimited, unconditional love. Not all reunions are like this so I guess my advice would be - be prepared for everything. Keep your expectations to a minimum and that way you could be pleasantly surprised, if its really positive but not too disappointed if the response is not so good.

You will not know until you try - regardless of the outcome you will have peace of mind knowing that you did actively search.

Best Wishes to you.