Mother and son at Denise's Petoskey home during the fall of 1996.
At long last, my dream has come true. I
began a search, in earnest, for my son during the summer of 1996. Thru
adoption internet links, where I received support from so
many, and a compassionate caseworker who encouraged me, I
determinedly continued my search. I ran into
several stumbling blocks, but NEVER gave up. On
Saturday morning, 7 Sep 1996, I dialed a phone number
that brought me "ear to ear" with my son's adoptive
parents, Dave and Ruth Schmidt. The next
day, 8 Sep 1996, a reunion took place between me, the
Schmidts and "our" son, Kevin. Miracles happen,
the first one on 24 Jan 1972 and the second on 8 Sep
1996. It's a new beginning for all of us with our "blended
families".
I've decided to write a continuing saga called *Denise's
Story* about the search for my son. It includes what
happened, how I felt and how I reached my decisions, the
*quest* for my son and my discoveries. I want to give
other adoptees and birth parents an inspiration to take those first steps to
begin your own search, instead of letting the fear "take
hold", as it did me for so long. I want to let you know,
"you're not alone". This will be an on-going project, but
one that I feel will be worthwhile, because I have so much
to share. Here is my story...
