[BrandyHagz]

Hi everyone! Welcome to the newest addition to the Adoption.com Forums, Local Adoption Connections.

Please take a minute to tell us a little about yourself. Are you married? Do you have Children, if so, what are their ages? Share with us some of your favorite things about living in this area. What’s your favorite restaurant? Do you belong to any Adoption Support Groups in your area? Help us all get to know you better and start making local friends with like interests!

[kelceesmom]

Ok, maybe we can be shamed into getting know each other since a lot of live so close!! I see other places with tons of hits. Come on guys we can do this!!!!!!!!!!!

[22639]

Hi. I'm new to these forums.... I'm new to being an adoptee. I'm 56 years old and found out last week after my dad died (Mom died 7 years ago) that I was adopted 56 years ago. It was a total shock. Anyway....I joined this forum in hopes of getting some help trying to find out my birth family's medical history not only for myself but my 3 children and 5 grandchildren Ok....so a little bit about me? Let's see..... I am currently living in Hemet, California (Southern Cal) and as I said...I have 3 children and 5 grandchildren I am a retired Paramedic (graduated from Loma Linda University) and a retired over the road truck driver. I was raised in the small mountain community of Idyllwild, California in the San Jacinto mountains (heaven on earth ). I share my home with my spoiled rotten 14 year old Flame Point Siamese male cat named Rusty. I have become pretty much a loner in the last few years but I was very active and social when I was younger (and had the energy). I still like to go to baseball games and a concert once in a while and sometimes I attend the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire (used to be in Agoura then moved to San Bernardino and now is somewhere near San Dimas). But most of the time I spend my time at home either watching TV or a rented movie , on my computer playing online role playing games based on the Highlander series, writing Highlander fan-fiction, reading, listening to music or hand painting t-shirts (and other apparel). So there you are. That's me in a nut shell.

[kelceesmom]

Welcome to the forums. You will find lots of info here from others who have or are in your shoes. I am sure you are shell shocked. Take a deep breath and the next one will automatically some too.

I don't live to far from you as where I am in Wildomar. I love Idyllwild. Wish I got there more often. Good luck in your journey and keep us posted.

[22639]

Thank you. I know that the task ahead of me isn't going to be an easy one especially since I'm having to do it on such a tight budget. And if it weren't for the importance of knowing your family's medical history I wouldn't even bother. Although I was kept in the dark about being adopted....my adoptive (sheesh....can't get used to saying that ) parents were the only parents I knew and as far as I'm concerned they were my parents. But having been in the medical profession I know how important it is to know your medical background. Knowing that there may be a predisposition for a serious ailment can help you to take steps to prevent it (or at least delay it). Well....I suspect that I am going to get quite an education during this. Again....thanks for your kind welcome to the forum.

[kelceesmom]

I don't know that you need to get used to calling them your adoptive parents. They were and are you parents. Even tho they shouldn't have kept your adoption a secret they probably thought they were doing the right thing at the time.

So many have been and are in your shoes. You will find lots of strength and support here. Ask your questions. Someone will be able to help. Just know you are not alone.

[frogybrat]

Hi, I am new to this site...I am 32 and the mother of 2 boys. My oldest son is not my husbands but he has been his DAD since he was 8 months old...Now he is 12 and my husband wants to legally adopt him. I don't know what to do or where to start. Does anyone have any suggestions? Anything would be greatly appreciated.

[thanksgivingmom]

Froggy, welcome! You might find some help on this topic on the Adoptive Parents boards...there is a whole section (at the very bottom) for step parent adoptions. I'm a firstmom myself so don't have much help for you other than to point you in the right direction!

Welcome and good luck!