Each year ISRR has the opportunity to facilitate hundreds of reunions between family members. Some of these people have generously offered to share their experiences. We receive new stories each month. If you would like to share yours please request a Reunion Questionnaire & Release from the office.

MATCH STORY

An Arizona Birth

Kay Griffin

Birthmother- Registered in Jan. 1994

Cynthia Smith

Adoptee- Registered in Nov. 2006

ISRR MATCH November 26, 2006

As so often happens, one person registers long before the other.

Patience can certainly pay off! -- As it did in this ISRR Match.

"Welcome Grandma Kay!"

Marri (ISRR Registrar) called on a quiet Sunday morning and told me that my registration form had generated a match. Initially, I was surprised and speechless. Fortunately, Marri was calm and helped walk me through the logical step of scheduling a first call. What a wonderful lady!

First Meeting ~ My birthmother flew to Denver from Atlanta to meet me. I was at the airport with my four children, ages 2-13. They had made a sign that read “Welcome Grandma Kay!” She saw us as soon as she stepped off the elevator, and a dream came true!

A wonderful, warm, caring relationship has ensued between us. We communicate via email several times a week and by phone every Sunday. We’re both looking forward to the future.

I certainly did not imagine that it would be so great. It has given me a renewed sense of self and has made me want to be a better person. I’m just sorry that she had to wait so long for me to register.

Our reunion has brought a lot of happiness and joy to both our families. My mother’s parents, siblings, nieces and nephews have all be incredibly supportive ; and my husband and children are thrilled and have gained a new family member!

I would definitely encourage others to follow the same path I did. I have been able to have so many of my questions answered and have also been able to thank her for giving the ultimate gift of herself with only my happiness and well being in mind.

cynthia smith - colorado

The Blessing May Be More than Anyone Can Imagine!

I decided to register in the hope that my daughter would try to find me. When ISRR called, she verified that I was who I am, then told me who had registered and when, and that there was an immediate match. She explained how ISRR handles things and asked if I had any questions. Then said she would contact my daughter and call me back.

The first communication with my daughter was by phone call the day after I was called by ISRR. We talked for over an hour. It was not awkward and there was no lull in our conversation. We shared information and asked and answered many questions. We also exchanged email addresses.

Due to Christmas events, we did not meet until almost two months after our initial phone call. I flew to the city my daughter and her family reside in, and spend three full days. The trip could not have been better. It was wonderful! We shared photographs from our lives and family history.

We both desire to have a close relationship. We are discussing when she and her family can travel to my home for a visit and to meet the rest of the family. She has been in contact with my father, who has a keen desire to meet her. She and I talk on the phone and exchange email regularly. We are both looking forward to our future.

I believe with all my heart that our finding each other was God ordained. I am filled with joy and love her more and more. ISRR gave us guidance in what to expect and it has proven true. I will forever be grateful.

I do not know if it is unusual, but she and I are very comfortable with each other. We are similar in appearance and have many traits that are similar. Meeting her four children has been wonderful. They are loving and accepting of me. We played Candyland and watched their favorite DVDs together. Her husband and I watched one of the NFL playoff games together, but were on opposite sides. It was fun.

I have gained a relationship I never expected to have. I am filled with hope and joy for our future. In sharing my experience with family and friends, I have opened the door for a friend to accept her husband’s daughter from a prior relationship. This has also been an encouragement for a niece and her husband to consider adoption. My father has been able to release his guilt at making me give my baby up for adoption. (My mother is deceased.)

I encourage everyone who wishes to find, or be found, to register. The blessings may be more than anyone can imagine!

kay griffin - georgia

Caught Off Guard

I registered because I wanted to find my birth parents!

Initially I was caught completely off guard when ISRR called. I was driving and had to pull over. I felt so happy, and like I was having a heart attack at the same time!

Our first reunion was amazing. I went to meet my birthmother/stepfather and it was wonderful! It is too soon to talk about our ‘relationship’ because we got reunited only 3 weeks ago. However,  I feel like a “void” in my soul and my mind has been lifted and filled. If anyone is serious about finding their family, be persistent.

amanda britt hey - florida

Click here for More Reunion Stories

COMING SOON

A Colorado Reunion

Darlene Lawrence

Birthmother

Donna Casper

Adoptee

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