[aura]

Hey everyone,
I'm sorry I made you all wait, I couldn't sit still or type! Isabo, THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER,YOU ARE AN ANGEL SENT BY GOD!!!! Here is the last 24 hours....
I started working on finding my birthdad, I knew his father worked as a railroad policeman and his mom at Buttreys Grocery Store in 1972 when I was born. My adoptive mom and dad got to thinking and remembered a friend from back then that worked at that Buttreys and they called him. He remembered the mothers name, Leda, and called back later last night with the last name. Isabo found some info on google last night (God bless you!!!) and my dad did some research last night also. By bedtime we had a first name for my b-dad's father. This morning my mom and I went to the public library and looked it up in the Polk book and got the name for both sons. Now get this...My father in law called and I reminded him that when he read my non-id info that he said it seemed familiar to him but he didn't know why and I asked him if he knew the Klundt's. He told me what there names were and the names of their kids, he knew this because he knew my birthdad, they were friends and his nickname was "Lucky". He also remembered him dating a girl named Virginia that went by "Ginny". WOW!! I took a chance today and called a gentleman who was living here in 1972 as well as today with the same last name and he was a third cousin to my b-grandpa, I told him who I was, I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life-my hands went numb, and he was relunctant at first but he told me what he could. The phone # I had for Kentucky was my b-dad's brother and he said my b-dad's mom was there also. My b-dad's father had passed away but that he was a very gentle and kind man and that my b-dad "Lucky" was not so lucky. He is in a home in Oregon right now and was in homes here in Montana previously. He said he wasn't at liberty to discuss why but that I had the right family. Meanwhile my dear sweet sister in law had called and left a message on the brothers phone. He called her back and when she explained why she was calling he got so excited he hung up on her. He called her back and he did know about me, he said my b-dad has been in a VA home for 25 years now and that because they were in the middle of a bad storm he would call her back tommorow morning. Lori said he was very excited and did tell her that everyone in the family was living into their 80's and 90's and his father had died of lung cancer after smoking for most of his life. That's all I have for now, we will see if he calls back and wants contact. I have left that up to them but they do know I am willing and if he calls Lori will give them my info, if they don't want contact she is going to see if they will send a picture of my dad so I have it... I am so happy to know at least half my family and to know that my daughter will have no bad medical problems from there side. That in itself is a blessing and I will let you all know if he calls and what happens. I am content with the knowledge that I have now as for my fathers side and pray that he is of sound mind and will know that I have found him and want to say Thank You to him for the wonderful life he has given me. Without his unselfishness who knows, but I look at my parents, my husband and my daughter and I am so thankful. Get this...THe gentleman I called earlier today just called me to welcome me to the family AND he knows my adoptive mom and her siblings and we are all related!!! My head is spinningggggggggggggggggggggg! I will write more tommorow! Aura

[Isabo]

Originally Posted by aura

Isabo, THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES OVER,YOU ARE AN ANGEL SENT BY GOD!!!!

Aura,
I am SO HAPPY for you and SO HAPPY that I could help you. I have never been called an "Angel sent by God" before. Thank you!!! I have been called some other things , but never that!!! My keyboard is always at your service!!!

I am so happy to know at least half my family and to know that my daughter will have no bad medical problems from there side.

This is fabulous news! It sounds like you come from very strong stock with everyone living so long. Congratulations!!

THe gentleman I called earlier today just called me to welcome me to the family AND he knows my adoptive mom and her siblings and we are all related!!! My head is spinningggggggggggggggggggggg!

It sounds like you are getting and will continue to get a very warm reception. I hope you are able to meet with your father personally and give him a great big hug. How far away is Oregon from Montana? This is so GREAT!!!

Now, lets go find your bmom!!!

Big Hugs and Grins!!!

[Isabo]

Originally Posted by aura

He told me what there names were and the names of their kids, he knew this because he knew my birthdad, they were friends and his nickname was "Lucky". He also remembered him dating a girl named Virginia that went by "Ginny". WOW!!

Hold the phone!! I just reread your post and saw the part about Virginia!!! You already thought your bmom's name was Virginia Echols, didn't you? How cool is this? It sounds like the old bat ... excuse me, the old lady that your SIL talked to does know your bmom and is related to her. All you need is confirmation now! Has your SIL heard back from her? Who knows, your bdad's relatives may know what happened to her!! Oh, I am getting even more excited now!! I am going to be glued to this thread. You have to keep us up to date! Sorry for all the exclamation points lately, but I am JUST SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!

[hopeful0712]

Aura,

I too am so happy for you!!!! I'm glad you have had a warm reception. You will be in my thought and prayers!

God bless,

Robin

[nugget]

I'm so very happy for you and proud of you for not giving up.
Thanks for keeping us updated too!

[MKW]

Aura - I so hope you're able to questions answered and make contact with your b-dad. I'm so thrilled for you that you were able to make all the right connections.
Keep us up to date.

MKW

[aura]

Hello Everyone,
It's been almost 24 hours since all the excitement and I think I'm still in shock, I feel kinda like a deer in head lights. My b-dad's brother called my sis in law today and she gave him my contact info, he will call me either tonight or tommorow night but he wants to meet and he is going to send me some pictures of my b-dad and family. My d-dads story is a sad one, I will just say he is not mentally able to function above that of a two year old but I am okay with everything and at peace. I have found half my history and now it's time to find the other half. I will keep you all updated on the reunion and will continue to write on this thread. I will post my b-moms info here also. Thank you again to everyone who helped and everyone who gave me a shoulder to cry on or just voice my fears and joys. You are all priceless and if I can do anything let me know.

Aura

[MKW]

I'm so sorry your dad's story is a sad one - but you sound like you somehow expected it.
I'm so thrilled your uncle will call - sure hope that's a terrific conversation.
Stay with your Mom's search - you're close. Keep trying.

MKW

[nugget]

I'm sorry about your birth fathers condition as well. I know it is nice to at least know now but I also hope that you do allow yourself to feel and deal with the pain when you are ready for this is really a loss too.
And maybe,hopefully your birth uncle will be able to shed some light on your birth mothers side of the family and what is really going on there.
You'll remain in my thoughts,
Wendy

[aura]

Hello Everyone,
I spoke with my b-dad's brother tonight (Kalvin) and he was so warm and welcoming, he sent pictures of my dad and
the family. I am on cloud nine. Now I need to find my birth mom so here is all the info I have. Isabo, I was mistaken in the private message I sent you sorry!
My head is not on task lately, to much going on. Kalvin sent me my b-dads address and phone and even though he is in bad shape I am going to call and see if one of the nurses will read him a letter if I send it, it will be a while before I can go and see him and Kalvin said it is a very small and private home, only 12 residents. I have recieved such a warm welcome from his family and I guess there is a sister also. WOW!!! I said I would post my birthmom's information again so here it is...
Here is all the information I have on my birthmom...
I was born June 13, 1972 at Deaconess Hospital in Great Falls, Montana. My moms name was Virginia Warren and she was 19 years old. She was living in Great Falls with my birthfather, Walter Klundt and he was 24 years old. My non-id info states that Virginia, she went by Jenny, was not close to her family. When she was 15 her father left her mother and moved out of the house. He remarried and was living in Boise, Id with his new wife and working as a tax auditor at the time of my birth, he was 41 years old. Jenny continued to live with her mother until she was 17 at which time her mother remarried and moved. Her mother was 37 years of age when I was born and a housewife. Jenny also had a 21 year old sister who was married and they were not close. Jenny had rheumatic fever twice, once in 7th grade and again in 12th grade causing her to drop out of school, she only needed 4 credits to graduate, she will need to take penicillin pills everyday for the rest of her life.
Here is what we have learned or think we know so far. They did a bad job of whiting out some of the info on my non-id info and it appears that she was from Shelby, Montana and spent time in Brady, Montana also. I have had two different search angels send me info on a Virginia A. Warren whose birthday is Sept. 1952 and she has two married names, Townsley and Echols. Her addresses trace back to Shelby, Brady and Great Falls, Montana and the last known address is 523 Roosevelt Drive, Great Falls, Mt. 59404. My sister in law went to this address and it is an 83 year old woman, Virginia G. Wagner, who lives there and she is not giving us any info. I had her info run by a search angel and her addresses match for Shelby, Brady and Great Falls. I am wondering if she is an aunt or possibly Jennys mom?!? When I was adopted my parents were told there was an aunt here in Great Falls. (her fathers sister) Also when I looked in the polk book there was a Virginia Warren that matched this Virginia Wagner's age and she worked as a nurse at McCauley's Rest Home at 720 6th Ave So. in Great Falls, Mt. (1972 polk book) . My gut is telling me we have found her we just hit an aunt that doesn't want us to open this up. I could be wrong but I don't think I am. My b-moms current name would be Virginia Echols if our info is correct. Thanks again for helping. Aura
God bless all of us who are searching, all who have found and a special blessing for all those who are willing to help and so generous with their time. You are all angels!!

[aura]

Hello everyone,
I wanted to update you all and hope everyone is well. I think everyting is starting to sink in a little and I'm at the bottom of the rollercoaster ride today. Things are still going well with my b-dad's family and I am taking things slow, I have a million questions but I am pacing myself, I don't want to scare them away. As far as my b-dad I guess his situation is starting to hit me. I have cried for what we won't have and for what he has lost and I guess what I have lost too. He is paralyzed and has the brain function of a 2 year old and that is so sad! I look at the pictures of him so young and so vital and it breaks my heart for him. He will never know what his daughter or granddaughter look like and it's not fair. I am just not sure how to deal with this but I guess time will tell. I'm still looking for b-mom and playing the patience game again. I hope you are all good and hope to hear from you soon! Aura

[MKW]

Oh Aura - I'm so sorry for all you are trying to process re: your b-dad. It is incredibly sad that he won't be able to connect with you or your beautiful daughter. Be kind to yourself as the waves of sadness hit - you need to do that.
And I really hope you have success finding your b-mom. And that she's willing to have communication.
Hang in there. We're all here with you.

MKW

[aura]

Hello MKW,
Thank you for your kind words. I am trying to deal with how I feel, it is painfull but I still have no regrets in finding him and I hope in time this pain will ease. I'm not sure if I want to go see my b-dad or not. I would like to remember him like he is in the pictures, happy and vibrant and full of life. He won't know we are there and I don't mean this to sound harsh but I don't think that it will make a difference in his life because of his condition. I just don't know what to do. My heart is breaking as it is, I just think seeing him would make it all worse and break my heart even worse. Now I just sound selfish, I'm so lost and confused. It will all be okay and I know God has a reason for everything, there is a reason I have found him and a reason that his suicide attempt failed and he lived so I guess I will put my trust in God and see what happens. I'm sorry I'm rambling on, no new news on the b-mom front yet, patience-patience-patience!!!
Aura

[MKW]

You know what Aura - I think you're very wise in choosing NOT to go and visit him. You're absolutely right - it won't make any difference to him - and could only hurt you more. Hang on to those images in the pictures - that's the life you were given. You are not sounding selfish at all - I'm quite sure I would make exactly the same choice given your circumstances.

I'm so sorry theres nothing on b-mom yet. Have you talked any more to your uncle?

Hang in there - you're okay.

MKW

[aura]

Dear MKW,

Thank you so much! There is no way to prepare for this kind of thing and it takes you by surprise. I never expected this rollercoaster ride, but i wouldn't change it either. No matter what!!!The missing pieces in my life are starting to fit and I have more knowledge now than I did three months ago and even though it's not what I hoped for, it's what I got and I am okay with that. I know the pain will ease and i will hopefully meet some of his family and life will go on, hopefully with new friends made and it will be enough. Now if we can just find my b-mom so I can complete the other half of the puzzle. Thanks again for your kind words, they did help alot. Aura