[annahenson]

My sister and I were born in Italy and the youngest of 11 children. Since we were the youngest (2 & 6), we were put up for adoption to allow the rest of the family to survive. Times were tough and this was a hard decision for our mother. This is one that she carried to her grave. I just found out all of this information through the power of the Internet this past May. I have 5 brothers and sisters living in Europe. I made a trip in June to meet them. This was the most joyous and overwhelming experience I will ever encounter. They have been searching for us for over 30 years. My birth mother did the best thing for us by sending us to America and being adopted together. She knew we would have a better life. I thank her and have no regrets or bitterness. The rest of my brothers and sisters feel that they owe everything they have and are today to my sister and I for allowing them to survive. I can't begin to tell you the love that I felt that weekend even though there was some difficulty with the language. This was more love than I will probably ever encounter in my lifetime. I finally have closure in my life after 46 years and if I were to die tomorrow, I am now complete.

[dl]

What an absolutely beautiful reunion story. Thank you so much for sharing. It gives all of us that are searching or beginning reunions hope.