[medicpaige]

I have known all my life I was adopted. My imaginary friend as a child was an older boy I said was my brother, turns out I actualy have a biological brother 3 years my senior. I was raised as an only child and my adoptive mother turned out to have intense psychological problems so I never attached to her. I have a horrible need to know my birthfamily, when I think about it I feel a deep pited pain. I know it may not work out, but I still need to know.
I have done a lot of leg work on my own, I have placed classified adds in the orland papers, gone through as many public records as I can. I have loads of non-id information, hospital, time of birth etc. But I have found all this to be useless information, I can't get anywhere without a name. I finaly hired a search company (PLEASE email me for information on this well advertised company if you are about to hire one!!!) and gave them a year. I had always had it in my mind that when I actualy hired a company I would reach the end of my search. Now I am so disheartened and I feel at the end of my rope. I don't have thousands of dollars to do this, I have a young baby and my husband is in the Army.
I was born in Orlando Florida through Children's Home Society. I need some more answers, there has just got to be a way to do this. Any support is welcome, thanks for taking the time to read my story.

[l-thompson]

I certainly understand your need to know and I understand the frustration at not being able to get the information you so desperately want.

I have no idea how the system works in the area you are searching but I am sure you can find the information on this web site. I was adopted through the Childrens Aid Society in Toronto in Canada and that was my first port of call. They did not ask for any money but the negative was the waiting and the waiting for your number to come up. From the start of my search to when contact was finally made took seven years. A true test of patience and I am not really good at exercising patience!!

Regardless of the outcome of your search I do understand the desire to know - better to know something than nothing at all. I always thought nothing ventured, nothing gained. If the end result wasn't so great it didn't matter - I was fine before reunion and I knew I would be fine after. Reunion does not change or alter the person you are - life will still go on. Having the answers allows you to put the jigsaw together and it does fill the voids but if you are hoping reunion will fix something thats not quite right in your life I think you will be disappointed. Reunion brings on so many emotions and feelings and thoughts that I think you need to be in a very good place in your own life before you even begin searching.

Best of luck to you.

[snuffie]

HI,
I am an adoptee too who had a very strong need to search and to "know' all of my life.
I don't know if there is an adoption record search program in Florida but that would be my first step. If there is a program they can help with your search. The fee (at least here) was minimal.
Also, have you contacted the agency? They sometimes have a wealth of info. including your non ID. which won't give you a name but will add more of the puzzle pieces.

I have to agree with l thompson. Reunion is a lot of work emotionally and even though the puzzle is finally complete, it doesn't fix everything that may have needed fixing. It is a complicated up and down roller coaster ride. In my case, I wouldn't have given any of it up for the world. But you must be prepared for anything.

Best wishes to you.
Snuffie

[Candiekisses]

I am soooo sorry my box was full and your PM couldn't come through,,I cleaned it out so I can get new Pm now! I did Pm you just a while ago! Candie