[shannonv]

I was talking to my grandmother and was joking about how my sister and I are different. I made a few remarks and she acted funny. When I returned home to my parents house, I told my dad that Mamaw was acting funny. My father said to sit down because he had something to tell me. He told me that he and mom adopted me from San Antonio, May 11, 1971 at the Methodist Home for Unwed Mothers. (The name has changed since then.) I NEVER knew I was adopted and I wish I didn't know. I love my parents and sister and wouldn't change anything! People don't even know that I'm adopted, because I look like my parents. They never needed to tell anyone--I WAS and AM thier daughter.
My name is Shannon and I was born May 4, 1971.

[Drgnrdr451]

Shannon,
I know that finding out at this age is tough. But I wish I had found out when I was twenty or so, I would have had a lot more time to get know my 11 siblings. But now you have some choices to make.

I would advise you to think long and hard on your new reality. I’m sure your family doesn’t love you any less now that you know and from the tone of your post it doesn’t seem like you love them any less. And believe me, you’re going to need their love and support if you decide to begin searching. You might find, like I did, that quite a few of your friends and relatives knew you were adopted. Don’t be upset, it might be that they were like my cousin. He always thought I knew, but since I didn’t mention it he didn’t either. It never made any difference to him, adopted or not I was still his cousin.

Once you have made your decision and if you decide to start searching sit down with your Dad, since he was the one to tell you, and ask him if he would help you.

One final thing, make these forums a regular stop. You will find a lot of compassion, support, and help from people you may never meet but who really do care.

[shannonv]

Thank you very much for your support. I will take your advise and keep reading this site. I know now that many elder relatives knew, but they never said anything. I'm glad they didn't and still don't.

Thanks,
Shannon