[airee]

Hi, my name is Erica Cohen. I'm 19 years old and I'm a college student/retail sales associate in Orlando FL. I found out that I am adopted about 2 months ago. Your probably wondering what makes my story so interesting, when compared to others. Let me start from the beginning. I was born on September 15, 1986 in Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn New York. I was given up for adoption to my adoptive parents Roselea & Alan Cohen. When I was 3 or 4 Roselea had to have a minor surgery, and when she went into surgery, she never came out. There was a whole big lawsuit and Alan won the malpractice suit. That was now my 2nd mom I had lost. Not too long after that, Alan met Helene, who later (13 years later) became my step-mom. When they met, they decided we should move to FL. At this time, Alan sent a letter to Roselea's family, who I was a very important to, saying never to contact our family again and so on. From then on, anytime I asked about Roselea's family, I was told they were all dead. I never got the chance to know anyone. We moved to florida with Helene and her 3 older kids too, but didn't they get married until I was in 10th grade. I left for college in June 2004. This past summer, I decided to buy a membership to usapeoplesearch.com to try and get any information I could on Roselea's history and family. On the search results, the address on my (amended) birth certificate was listed as a current address to a Norman Greenberg. (Greenberg is her maiden name). A phone number was listed as well. On a whim I decided to try and call. I got too nervous so I had my fiance' Patrick call and find out if this was a relative's home. I didn't expect to get any immediate family, maybe a cousin. It turns out that Norman Greenberg, still alive, was Roselea's brother. He told me all about the letter and led me to be suspicious of my heritage. He wouldn't confirm anything, as he felt it was my adoptive parent's place to tell me anything I needed to know. So naturally I called Alan, furious with him, he denied everything and laughed when I told him that I spoke to Norman. Now this is the same man who my whole life put me down, and was very mentally and physically abusive. I finally flat out asked him "Are you even my real father?" And he nervously laughed and said "Of course I am." I hung up on him. Some part of me just knew it wasn't true. There were too many little arrows pointing to no. 5 min later my Aunt Eli from Alan's side called me and told me that I was adopted from a woman who had me very young, maybe 13 or 14. She also said that it was done at the hospital and it was very quick. Later on, I was told by Alan during the last time I spoke to him & Helene, that there was no information and it was all blackmarket. When I spoke to Norman again, he didn't know anything about the actual adoption. So that's my story. I have no idea who my birthparents are and I have absolutely no information. I was abused while growing up by my adoptive parents only to find out they weren't my real parents and they continued to lie even after I broke the seal of truth. All after already accepting the fact that I would never know who I thought was my 'biological' mother, Roselea. Oh and did I mention the settlement from the lawsuit, Alan pretty much used the payments while I was a minor for himself. I do not speak to any of my family anymore as I feel betrayed and hurt beyond belief. If you want to contact me feel free. Brilliantbrunette16@mac.com
Any help or advice is appreciated!!

-Erica