You might say James Garritani had them at hello. But then, this family bond was meant to be.

Last week, I mentioned that I intend to post a reunion story each Monday in 2007. As promised, here is my reunion story for the week. There is a great deal to learn from them.

When I offer various reunion stories to you, I am personally drawn to the happier stories. I imagine that reporters who write these stories prefer to present those stories with happy endings as well. Nonetheless, I want to offer some of the less ideal reunion stories as well. Reality is that reunions are varied, just as adoptions are. Even the so-called happy stories may not be as ideal as they may be presented.

Relationships - any relationships - has their share of struggles and triumphs. Reunion relationships are no exception. In fact, sometimes reunions have so much past baggage that they are probably more difficult to navigate than other relationships. The stakes are higher too as most reuniting birth family members want very much for their relationship to last, thrive and be satisfying.

If you read enough reunion stories as I do, you can't help but notice that common threads are woven through many of them. Although each story has its own unique elements, many similarities also are obvious. In this story, the joy of reunion is compounded for the adoptee because he grew up without siblings, and now has several.

Adoptees who grow up without siblings are said to be more inclined to search for birth family. Several reunion stories lately have given shown that theory has some merit. Most of us who grow up with siblings take it for granted. In fact, some of us may not even like our siblings that much.

However, adoptees who grow up without siblings often seem delighted in reunion at their new found siblings. Children who grow up as the only child sometimes miss having brothers and sisters. Adopted children may have a second chance at the sibling experience through reunion, and many seem to relish the idea. It seems not to matter whether the siblings are full siblings or half.

This reunion involves an international search as the adoptee lives in Florida, and his birth mother is German. The challenges presented when there are language and cultural barriers add more to the mix. Yet, for 47 year old adoptee James Garritani, he seems to be embracing the opportunity to continue this blossoming relationship!

Next week's reunion story has a 9-11 connection. The adoptee's birth mother worked in the Pentagon and was there on that horrific day.