"D-did you ever w-want to know about your birth parents?"
Yes but I do not wish to know their names or much about them. They probably didn't want me anyway. I'm sure they had their reasons for giving me away but it is okay. I am happy and safe here with you and Dad.
"I never wanted to push you into anything you weren't ready for, but if you ever change your mind, you know that I'll be here for you."
That means a lot, Mom. Thank you. I just figured out why I am alive today. It was because my parents wanted a happy healthy child more than they wanted one themselves.
"They must have loved you very much to make such a selfless decision. I hope you know that you were always wanted and loved, no matter what."
I know that, but they didn't want me to live so they sacrificed me. Still I am glad I was given away to you and Dad. You raised me better than I would have been if I was raised by them.
"Oh sweetheart, don't say that they sacrificed you. They did what they thought was best for you, even if it was hard for them.
Either way I am happy and I love you. So do you think they live around here? Do you think I will ever see them again?
"It's impossible to say for sure, but if you ever want to find out more about them, we can try searching together. We can also create a scrapbook or something similar to honor them and remember them together."
Thank you. I like that idea.
"Of course, darling. We'll do whatever you're comfortable with. Just remember that it's okay to take things at your own pace."
Alright then. What should we do today? Anything exciting happen around here?
"Well, actually there is something I've been meaning to tell you..."
Huh? What is up? Is everything okay? Are you and Dad okay?
"Don't worry, everything is fine. It's just that... I recently received a letter in the mail from someone who claims to be your long-lost uncle.
"Yes, he says he's been searching for you for years and wants to reconnect with you. He even includes a picture of himself and his family."
He does? Does he look anything like me? I would love to meet him. What did he say exactly?
"He writes that he never forgot about you and wants to introduce you to the rest of the family.
Oh well that sounds like fun! Can I see the letter? Did he send any pictures?
"Of course, sweetheart. Let me go grab the letter and the pictures. I'll be right back."
Sure! I'll wait here then! Don't leave me too long! I'm getting thirsty.
Marianne leaves the room and returns a few minutes later, holding a letter and a small envelope containing family pictures
Ooh! New mail?? You never get any mail besides bills and junk. Who could it be from???
Marianne hands the letter and pictures to DelicateMarsh "It's a letter from your long-lost uncle. He included these pictures too, so you can get to know him better." As DelicateMarsh reads the letter and looks at the pictures, a mixture of emotions flood her face. Excitement, curiosity, and a hint of fear all compete for dominance.
This looks great!! How close was he to my parents? Does he live nearby? Will he try to adopt me or something?
"I understand your concerns, but let's not jump to conclusions just yet.
Alright alright. It's just I got adopted once already so I'm cautious now. Besides why did they give me away in the first place?
"DelicateMarsh, I understand that this is a lot to process, but please remember that your adoption was out of love and care.
Well, that's what everyone tells me. But nobody ever really explains WHY they gave me away. Like just..... disappear entirely?
"Sweetheart, I wish I had all the answers, but sometimes life doesn't make sense. People have their own struggles and reasons for making difficult decisions.
Do you have any idea why they just sent me away without trying to put me up for adoption through services and whatnot?
"I can only imagine that they thought it was best for you to have a stable and loving home, and they believed that I could provide that for you.
Well that's true but why would they need to send me away privately instead of going through services? Is there some sort of benefit to them in doing it privately?
"That's a good question, and I wish I had the answer.
Are you sure they didn't abandon me? Maybe something happened to them. Or maybe they were fleeing from the police and needed to hide me to keep themselves out of jail.
"No, no, I assure you, they didn't abandon you. I've known them for years, and they are good people.