My lavender bedroom was my place and I enjoyed being in there when I wasn't out riding my bicycle or trying to rescue any stray animal that wondered along. We lived in the suburbs of Washington, D. C., and it wasn't uncommon to see fighter jets flying over the house from Andrews Air Force Base. We lived in Prince George's County in a subdivision off Old Branch Avenue. I could walk to my elementary school and there were plenty of kids to play with in my neighborhood. It was the late 60's and early 70's, and Nixon was president. I know now, that I was pretty fortunate. I even had a very small television in my bedroom, but was disappointed to turn it on and discover President Nixon giving another speech. The Vietnam war was coming to an end and there was news of Watergate. I really didn't know what all that meant because I was just a little girl with a pretty lavender bedroom. My parents were wonderful, they kept me clothed and fed, gave me great toys to play with, and took care of me with endless love. They were my adoptive parents; I could not have asked for better.
I thank my birthmother for having me and making the decision to give me up for adoption. Both of my adoptive parents have passed away and I have no brothers or sisters that I know of. It would be great to know my biological heritage, but I am not allowed to do that because of the laws of the state of Maryland. I am registered on a "mutual consent" directory and have been since 1998. Yes, they have an intermediary system, but I disagree with this system. I can pay a fee and they will do a search and "if" they find my biological mother, father, or siblings, they will contact them to see if they would consider contact with me. If they say no, then I still don't have any information. If they do, then that's fine, I guess. But, I don't like this system because I believe my birth records should be open. I'm not really looking to be a part of my biological folks life. I would just like to know my biological name and my health background. I'd like to know. I believe that's my right, and all adoptees should have it as well.
Sometimes, I search adoption forums and sometimes I don't. I find it very frustrating and months go by without thinking about it too much. I have never found any information regarding my biological mother, father, or possible siblings. I really hope that Maryland will change their laws regarding open adoption records. Oh, you know what else? If I was born before 1946 or after 1/1/2000 (once age 21), I could get my records, unless a non-consent has been filed.
Well, thanks for reading through my ramblings. I have to stop writing now because I'm getting to that disgusted point. If you'd like to learn more about Maryland's laws regarding access to adoption records, I've posted some links below. If you'd like to talk to me more about this, please feel free to send me an email. Thanks, again.
Maryland Department of Human Resources - Search, Contact, Reunion
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/ssa/adoption/search.php#2
What does it cost and what options are available for those who want to search when an adoption was finalized in Maryland?
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/ssa/adoption/pdf/costs.pdf
U. S. Department of Health & Human Services
Access to Adoption Records: Summary of State Laws
http://www.childwelfare.gov/systemwide/laws_policies/statutes/infoaccessap.cfm
Americans for Open Records (AmFOR)
http://www.amfor.net/
Adoptee Rights Demonstrations - State Laws
http://adopteerights.net/nulliusfilius/?page_id=39
http://www.amfor.net/
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