Often reunion is described as a roller coaster ride. For many of us who have experienced reunion, it does seem to be an accurate description, particularly in the initial stages. There may be high excitement, then a deep plunge downward that may be hard to handle. Like a roller coaster ride, reunion can be exciting, scary and yes, have very definite highs and lows.

If you tend to be someone who is used to a sedate and calm life, you will need to hold on tight and expect life to be different for awhile. There's no way around it for most people in reunion. That first phone call or contact may be one of the most exciting events of your lifetime. The first face-to-face meeting may also be one of the best moments of your life as well.

Along with the joyous feelings, however, there is much more. Reunions generally bring up so many feelings for most of us. In addition to the stress of trying to build a new relationship, there is generally alot of grieving and healing to accomplish at the same time. When you see a reunion on television, you generally see an emotionally charged and dramatic coming together. They may portray reunion as a happy ending.

Reunion IS a happy ending, but it is so much more as well. Reunion is a new beginning for many people who reunite. It brings some peace and resolution. There are many confusing feelings that surface as well, and you often tend to wonder if how you feel is "normal." However, about the only thing normal about reunion is that it is accompanied by many feelings that might not seem normal.

In some respects though, reunion does seem entirely normal, right and meant to be. Once you reconnect with your child or birth family member, it might be difficult to imagine how you ever lived without them. There might be a comfortable natural feeling with the person that you reunite with; you are family and it might feel that way.

Many people experience such extreme highs and lows during reunion that they wonder what is happening to them. This is normal in reunion. Reunions bring up loss issues, insecurities and lots of challenges. Building a new relationship and trying to figure out where your newly found family member fits into your life takes time and energy. I happen to believe that ultimately despite all the tough stuff in reunion, it is very worthwhile for most people who reunite. Especially in the beginning though, it is definitely not easy!