Born to a college student, I was given up for adoption as a baby. My parents informed me of this at a very young age. I remember being five years old, confronting strangers and exclaiming that I was adopted. I was proud of the title even before I knew the definition or the situation in which it happened.
I have a large amount of respect and love for my birth mother for making that decision. She took on responsibility, ridicule and pain to give me a life. Her selfless act gave me the opportunity to be the best me possible. Although my life is full of happiness, love and support; I always felt something was missing. At times, when my friends discussed where they got their physical features from or when the doctor asked me about my medical history, it made me very uncomfortable. Who doesn’t know where they get their eyes from? In those moments the desire to find my birth mother intensified.
I was yearning for that piece of me for so long that when I met her, a rush of emotions consumed me. I was overjoyed, nervous, anxious, scared of the unknown and cautious with my feelings. During our reunion I learned a lot about my family and my birth mother; however the intimate and real connection didn’t happen until she was leaving. We held each other and cried, thanking God for bringing us back together. Since then, we continue to stay in contact and strengthen our relationship. Through my relationship with my birth mother, I was able to connect with my birth father’s family. I am truly blessed to have a large family that supports and loves me.
Love Letter to My Birth Mom
I close my eyes and wonder where you are. Are you thinking of me?
Do you regret my existence?
I know your intentions were good, but did you know you left me stranded in the woods?
A place of confusion and unknown darkness. Trying to find myself, my purpose.
Find me please. I want to know you. My flesh and blood.
I want to experience your motherly aura.
You are my mother; the missing piece of my heart.
You have taught me what love is. The unconditional flow of selflessness.
Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for giving me life.
You are a virtuous woman.
by Christina Tyler, Family First Intern 2008
