Bittersweet Birthright: Finding My Birthmother

De: Micheline Birger

Narrado por: Virtual Voice

Cover Design by Micheline Birger Bittersweet Birthright: An American Citizen Finds Her Birthmother in Germany: An Emotional Journey I wrote this story in 1991 about two years after I met my German birthmother in Germany in 1989. I was 41 at the time when I wrote this. I was 39 when I met her. I never thought it was possible. I believed in the impossible though. I had a lot of deep emotions. I hope that the reader is able to capture that moment in time with me. I personally believe that people have the right to know about their birth circumstances if they so choose. I had no say in the matter at the time of my adoption. No say on where I would go or who I would be with. All I know is it the best thing I could have ever done…finding my birthmother. It was the scariest emotional risk I have ever taken in my life. Like anything else in life, no risk - no reward. I personally believe that each and every adoptee wants to know where they came from even if they adamantly deny it. It is such a basic human right. Who wouldn’t want to know? That is my personal opinion. So be it. I certainly do not apologize for it. I am proud of it. I had to know. It helped me to heal my life on a deep level. I continue to do that even into my 60’s…heal my life at a very deep level. My goal now is to share my story with others through my experience. As an adoptee, before my search, people, even professionals would say – “Why do you want to do that? Why do you want to open that can of worms?” But, thank God, I didn’t listen to anyone but my soul and my heart. I needed that sense of completion before I went to my grave. No matter which way the pendulum swung – be it positive…negative, or somewhere in between - I was expecting the best but braced for the worst. No matter what, every day since I made the commitment to the search and found my German birthmother in Germany, I have a deeper sense of peace about myself. Most people take for granted their legacy, their birthright. They cannot understand the isolation and longing that goes on in the inner workings of an adoptee. Why was I given up? Who was my father? Who was my mother? What did they do in the community? What were my ancestors like? Did I have any blood siblings? What about my medical history? And so on and so forth. I wrote this for myself and my own healing process at the time. I now feel comfortable in sharing this information with others who may be considering a search. Whatever one decides, it is their decision and no one else’s. I was an international adoption. I was yanked from my genetic roots. I was forced into another culture. I guess that is where they get the saying – culture shock. I hope that this journal of my moment in time will assist you in your journey – whether you are an adoptee; an adoptive parent; a birthmother; a birthfather; or anyone else in the adoption masquerade. I say, let the truth be known. The truth frees all parties involved. Love, Micheline Micheline is a freelance writer, lecturer, nurse, novelist. She believes in the healing power of humor and Science of Mind principles. "Healing is a very personal issue."