I am often surprised to discover an adoption connection in someone I have known but did not know that about them. In discussing the weather, a friend casually commented – I was born in Virginia, my uncle arranged my adoption 2 months before my birth, my adoptive parents raised me in Chicago.
I replied – oh my !! I did not know this about you. Every day I write a blog about all things related to family separations – primarily adoptions. My parents were BOTH adoptees. My maternal grandmother was sent away to Virginia to give birth to my mom, when my maternal grandfather for whatever reason (and I have many ideas about it that can never be confirmed) left her in Memphis 4 months pregnant. She didn’t give my mom up in Virginia but brought her back with her to Memphis Tennessee. She tried to reach my grandfather who was in Arkansas (they were actually married) – there was a big flood going on in the Mississippi River at the time and I suspect that was part of whatever obstacles. I have met my cousin in my maternal grandfather’s line who does not feel he was the kind of man to not respond. Regardless, Georgia Tann (the baby stealing and selling woman) got ahold of my mom and she was transported by her adoptive mother to Nogales Arizona.
Adoption touches more lives than many people suspect.
PS – If you don’t know about LINK>Georgia Tann, there is a Wikipedia article that covers her generally and more than one book has centered on her.
Missing Mom 