A Breathtaking Birthday Present from my Birthmother
Updated: Jul 28, 2024
I finally summoned up the courage to tell my mom and dad that I'd found my birthmother Irene. I don't remember the conversation well - I imagine that I was so nervous about talking to them that I immediately forgot the conversation in my relief to have it over. I don't have a copy of my letter to Irene in which I told her, but she did respond to me in October 1999:
"I am so glad that you finally got to talk to your mother and tell her that you'd contacted me. As I said before, I knew it would be hard. I am glad I was able to give them such a great daughter, and I feel so good about you having such a good mother and father. It is something I always wondered about, and knowing that I made the right decision means so much."
Phew.
Sometime later, I was with my parents on one of their annual treks to Mexico. I have a vivid recollection of talking with my mom on one of our daily morning beach walks. I wanted her to know that even though I'd found Irene, my mom was my only mom, and that I loved her very much. I think that helped alleviate any fear that I might leave her for another mother.
I lived in Gloucester, Massachusetts by this time, home of 'The Perfect Storm' (just in case you knew that the name sounded familiar!). We had recently purchased a sweet house on a hill overlooking the harbor. On December 16th, the postal carrier delivered an envelope to me. It was a card and letter from Irene! This was the first time that she'd sent a letter to me directly, instead of through the adoption agency. I was ecstatic!
"Dear Kate - It seems so strange after all these years to be able to send you a birthday card. You were always in my thoughts this time of year, and finally, here we are! ......
Have a very happy birthday and I promise to send a long letter soon.
Love, Irene"
Full context of her short letter below.
What a very poignant note and card that your birth mother sent to you . It’s very touching and it must have been hard to finally let your mom and dad know that you’d found her and were in touch. Such courage on everybody’s part making for a smoother sharing experience .