You may be asking yourself and wondering, “Am I ready to search for my natural family?” Keep in mind that searching is about finding out the truth about your self. It is NOT about relationships, although most people hope to be able to have some type of relationship with their birth family. The majority of the people who search do indeed have some contact with the other person or family. A lot have wonderful relationships and others might only talk one time.

All relationships need maturity, mutual respect, acceptance, forgiveness, and unconditional love, but adoption reunion requires this and more. You don’t know what you will find, so that is why it is important to take your time, prepare, talk to other triad members who are searching, or are in reunion, gather as much information as you can about your birth family, and be ready for anything to happen before you make first contact.

Have you asked yourself, Will I be okay with whatever happens? The answer is, you will be fine if you are realistic in your expectations. You must hope for the best and prepare for the worst, but once you find, no one can take away your information. You will know who your birth mother is, where she is and more about her. The same is true for a relinquished child. You will have some answers and you will know. You will never have to wonder another day in your life. However, also be prepared that although some questions may be answered, there now may be more new unanswered questions.

If you are honest with yourself and realize that everyone not only wants but needs to know the truth, then yes, you are ready to search. Searching is about finding out the truth, whatever the truth might be.