I grew up in Freeport IL, where I was an orphan along with my 3 other brothers. When I was six years old, I was adopted and lived with loving parents that took good care of me. I knew of my other brothers and were told that they too eventually were adopted out.
Growing up I often wondered about my biological family. What were my “real” parents like? Do I look like any of them? Do I have any other biological brothers or sisters and where were my Brothers?
In my teen age years I learned a little more about my 3 brothers. One of them was fostered out and lived right there in Freeport while the other two were adopted and lived close by in the city of Rockford. I finally got to meet my one brother, Randy.
As I got older and moved to Sioux Falls SD, Randy would call me and come for visits. He also helped out on a few occasions…He would drive all the way to Sioux Falls, just to bring me back to Freeport so that I could visit my adopted parents, and then turn around and bring me back to Sioux Falls again…Randy with my oldest daughter, Becky
One day he called and said that he had found our biological mother and that we had two other sisters as well. Before I knew it I was united with my brothers and sisters…
Randy and my other brother DannyDuane another Brother
My Younger sister, Kenna and me
Shortly after that visit, my sisters came for yet another visit, bringing along my biological mother. It was an awkward moment, but one I will never forget…
I came to a point in my life that even though I wanted to know my biological family, I felt some kind of loyalty to those that adopted me and knew this would upset them greatly. So at that point in my life-I lost all contact with my sisters and brothers. Occasionally I would see Randy and we would have short visits-but yet I needed to get my own life in order and didn’t want the extra drama at that time.
So I have let years and years go by…..
Recently I have had the time to do some serious soul searching. With both of my adopted parents gone now and having the feeling of lost of family connection in my life, I decided to reconnect with Randy and two of my sisters once again.
Wow! How the years have changed all of us! Each of us have gone our own ways and raised beautiful children. Kay and I are both grandparents while Kenna still has two daughters home with her yet. And Randy, well, Randy will always be Randy and special in my heart. He too has a son that has grown into what appears a fine looking young man.
I did learn that we lost one of our brothers, Danny and that sadden my heart. My biological mother is still going strong at the age of 75 and goes to South Padre Island in the winter time. I haven’t communicate just yet with her, but in time I will.
I can’t wait to the day comes that we can be face to face and reunite once again. But for now we will communicate via phone and FB!
I have learned to forgive the past and live for the present…..
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