Cyndie's Story

Cyndie's Story

More Updates

Female adoptee born August 11, 1968 at 7:51 a.m. Metropolitan Hospital in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. Private adoption handled by Jules N. Mazis of the law firm of Mazis and Mazur. Birth mother was 19 years old, Roman Catholic and unmarried at the time of my adoption. I was adopted by David A. and Carole L. James, of Philadelphia, and named Cynthia Lee James.

If you have any information which might possibly help in my search, I would appreciate it very much if you could send me a message and let me know.

UPDATE!!!

On July 7, 1998, I received the phone call I had been waiting for and dreaming about for as long as I can remember. Even before I began searching in April of 1998, I wondered what it would be like to hear the words, *your birth mother would like the chance to meet you*. But all the wondering and dreaming could not prepare me for what I felt when Joy O'Neill, the Search Administrator for Philadelphia County, called and said those very words. I felt as if I had been born again, the greatest part was when she added *your birth mother wants you to know that she has thought about you everyday, and that decision to place you up for adoption was not hers, and it was the hardest thing she has ever had to do*. Immense joy and profound sorrow came flooding all at once. For what I have gained and that I cannot replace. I had a family, my adoptive parents love me, we had a comfortable life and I didn't want for anything, however I always wondered where I came from, do I look like someone, was I loved? Now I will know.

I am anxiously awaiting the physical reunion with my birthmother, she still remains faceless and nameless, but I know more than I ever imagined I would. My birthmother and I are still in the letter writing stage of our reunion, which we are conducting through the Philadelphia County Court system. But soon we shall meet and start a new chapter in both of our lives. Perhaps with some closure and if we are lucky a new beginning. It is hard not to be blinded by the optomism I am feeling, while at the same time trying to remain focused on my home, my husband, my parents and of course my children. I began this search for them.

One of my children has a high occurance of tumors. It was that fear that catapolted me into requesting my medical information. Her illness as well as my other childrens assorted medical problems made me realize how important factual and updated medical histories are to adoptees and their families. When I was told by the Court that there was NO Medical History recorded, I was outraged to say the least. I started my search. Meticulously and thoroughly I laid my plans. I contacted the Attorney that handled my adoption, Jules N. Mazis, Esq., at his home in California. I contacted the Attorney that took over his practice, Harold Rosenthal, Esq., at his office. I endeavored to obtain my hospital records, of course there are none, the hospital in which I was born filed bankruptcy in 1993 and all the records were destroyed in 1994. I sent Waiver's of Confidentiality to anyplace and anyone whose path I crossed. And most importantly, I endeavored to ask Joy O'Neill for help.

And now I am on the verge of a new beginning. Only possible by facing my past. I will honor it and embrace it, for it is what and who I am. But as I do so, I will move cautiously and carefully always remembering that as long as we are in need of positive Adoption Reform, reunions like mine will forever be the exception to the rule. So many thousands are affected and touched by adoption, yet remain silent for fear of being exposed, but if we can all unite and enlighten the legislation and the world to the need for positive reform, then there is a REAL GOOD chance we may get it.

I thank everyone for their intrest and support, and will update this story as it grows.........to be continued.

to Adoption Stories

© 1997 If you have a question or comment for Cyndie, please leave her a message here. Thank you.