The Red Note
Dear Birth Parents,
I have spent my childhood fully enjoying my life with my adoptive family, and I have felt so grateful that they chose to bring me into their family. My happiness and thankfulness for their care were my primary focus during that time.
One night, my mom and I were sorting through our moving boxes, and we came across an album of photos of my time in the orphanage. I had seen them before, but everything changed when I turned to a picture of a red slip of paper with my birthday written on it in red ink. It was written by you. All my life, my parents’ stories and the information given by the orphanage in my adoption paperwork were the only link I had to you. Although I believed the information I was told, it wasn't until I saw your handwriting, which turned this information into reality. It was physical proof and a painful reminder of our separation of which I had denied for 13 years.
Now, there is no denying it. It has been two decades since we last saw each other. Two decades since we were separated. Two decades since we said goodbye to each other at the supermarket. I miss the bond we developed while I was in your womb. I miss those ten days we had together and wish I remembered them. I wish I remembered your voice, and what you looked like. I wish I could have hugged you goodbye at the end. I only hope that you remember me too, and miss me as much as I miss you.
I am ready to reunite and welcome you back into my life whenever you are. I have done all the DNA tests I can, and I will be waiting for you to put yours out there when you’re ready. If we ever reunite, I hope to make you proud of who my parents raised me to be.
With Love,
Your Daughter
Adoptee, 20
From Yichun, Jiangxi; Living in Boston, MA
The views expressed in blog posts reflect those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the shared views of Nanchang Project as a whole.
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