If you don't know your family's history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf that doesn't know it is part of a tree.
- Michael Chrichton


Well, I must say, that’s rarely me – at a loss for words, that is. I can usually find plenty to say – especially about adoption.

There was that one hot summer evening, July 31, 2001, when I was temporarily knocked for a loop and rendered nearly speechless, but, that’s a story for another day.

Today, I want to welcome you to my new blog here at Adoption.com. I am excited and tickled pink to have this new opportunity! The subject is the exhilarating, scary and suspenseful search for birth family. A search for birth family can be an exciting and mysterious adventure with you as the chief detective. There can be as many twists and turns along the way as the most compelling mystery novel. A search can take many forms, different amounts of time to resolve and be very unpredictable, but it can also ultimately resolve many questions and/or longings. Even in the worst case scenario, at least you will most likely receive answers to many of your questions. At best, a reunion and a long-life relationship will be the result.

As your journey proceeds, a whole host of emotions will probably surface that you may not expect or be prepared for. While there are many wonderful and practical search series already on the Internet, I have something different in mind for this blog. I will touch on the how, what and whys of search and reunion, but will also concentrate heavily on the emotional aspects of the experiences. Along with some practical tools and tips for searching, I plan to share some reunion stories with you and show you real flesh and blood triad members who are now reunited triad members. Inspiring stories, quotes and positive encouragement will be offered to cheer you on as your own personal mysterious journey unravels. Lists of common myths about searching, stupid comments people make to searchers and ways to respond to them will be included. Here is a small sample of what I expect to cover in my blog:

 Questions to ask yourself before searching;
 Preparation for Searching;;
 Initiating a Search;
 Telling friends and family about your search;
 Keeping balance in your life as you search;
 Tips on successfully dealing with bureaucrats as you search at adoption and state agencies;
 Birth indexes, hospital records, state web-sites, city directories, libraries, petitioning the court, using confidential intermediary, search angels and professional searchers; and
 How to orchestrate the first contact and hopefully build a lifelong reunion relationship.

I hope to inspire you, educate you, help you make you explore some tough questions and encourage you along in your journey!