[jkseger]

So my CI called me today to go over her plan. She was going to call my b-mom tonight. Unfortunately, she got the answering machine each time she tried calling.

Tomorrow's another day.

John

[jkseger]

Hi all,

First thank you all for the comfort in these confusing times.

I finally have an update. My CI wasn't able to get though via phone so she sent my b-mom a letter.

And my b-mom called her back this morning and said that she is very excited to meet me!!!

Her family, who has known about the adoption for awhile, is also very excited.

My Ci is sending her the registry forms so she can complete and send them to the IL registry. Then the registry will process them and send out my info to her and her info to me.

I am really hoping this can be completed by the 19th as my wife and I are hosting our graduation party. There will already be a lot of family there so why not more!!

Again, I thank you all for your support. This forum has been and will continue to be excellent at providing the best information, advice and support for all of its members.

Have a great weekend!!

John

[jkseger]

Hi all,

I apologize for the length in time between posts. I have been so busy that it's been hard to find the time to get personal stuff done. I am still busy so I'll have to make this briefer than I would like. But when I get more time, I'll try to post more.

Originally, my wife and I were concerened about our first meeting being our grad party. We didn't want my event to take away from the reason for our celebration and we really wanted to get the first meeting out of the way before the day of the party. It didn't work that way as my mom and I got the registry paperwork the Friday before the party. But my mom and I had about 4 hours of wonderful conversation and the decision was made for them to come to the party.

My b-mom, her new husband, half-sister, and half-brother came up. The initial contact was a bit odd, as we stood in my driveway taking pictures for the first 10 minutes or so. Then we would move up about 20 feet and stand there for a few minutes. Then we stood in the foyer for a few minutes. Looking back on it now, it was kind of funny.

The party was a blast. We all had a great time. All the party attendees there were surprised to see my "new" family, as I didn't have time to tell everyone of the news. In hindsight, the party actually worked out great for a first meeting, as it allowed everyone to have breathing time and there was never a stale moment where you were searching for something to say. Not only that, if they hadn not come, I would have been asked, "so how's your search going?" With them being there, I could answer, "Never better...lol"

I have attached a picture from the party. From left to right are my sister, my mom, me, my wife, and my brother.

This weekend I am going out by them for a visit. It should be another great time.

Thanks to all for your help and support, especially Debbie and Vicki who were instrumental in making my wonderful day happen.

John

[garyd333]

Hi John,

I'm just starting a search of my own and have been stumbling across all kinds of sites to see what type of information is out there. I hit this site and came across your thread. As I was reading down the page I found myself thinking, "boy, I hope there's an ending before I reach the end!" (I was never much for cliffhangers) What a great story and certainly an inspiration as I embark on my own trail. I'm really happy to hear your search had a (relatively) quick turn-around and more importantly, a positive outcome!

Your story has inspired me to register here (had to register in order to write this) and hopefully share my story/journey as well. There are 3 other adoptees in my family and an unexpected bio-sibling born 11 months after me. My parents were always open about us being adopted, so that's never ever been an issue for us.

1 of my older (adopted) sisters has actually reunited with her bio-family. Turns out she had 4 additional siblings and they found her via Catholic Charities Chicago (we were all adopted through them). So again, there's more positive fuel as I get started.

Anyway, I just wanted to pass along a note of thanks for sharing your story.

Kindest regards,
Gary D.