Today is Mary’s birthday, the daughter I placed for adoption 22 years ago. She was born at 2:01 A.M., weighing 7 lbs, 5 oz, and 21 inches long. When I decided to share this part of my story I was quite reluctant. To my surprise, it has been a timely and freeing experience!

This was the last picture I received of her through the semi-open adoption.  Her adoptive parents didn’t feel comfortable sending pictures through the age of 5 as originally agreed. At first, that was hard to accept but after having my own children I grew a little understanding.

I think of Mary often. I look forward to meeting her one day. I am encouraged by other stories of adoption – those that have re-united and those that are still waiting. I am also encouraged by the hope adoption gives to mommies and daddies that aren’t able to have children. Adoption is the essence of hope and what is life without hope!

When I reminded Xaviar, her biological brother, that her birthday was today, there was a sense of curiosity and wonder in his voice. I do encourage him to seek her out in his own way and time. When she turned 18, thoughts of what it would be like to find her became more real for me; four years later I still haven’t found her and I am okay with that. Meanwhile, we are registered with the Florida Adoption Registry and hope one day she will seek one of us out.