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East Meets West and Back Again My mother was supportive of my search and remains a supporter of open records for adult adoptees. I will always believe that my sense of 'justice', my passion for what is right, came from her parenting skills. Open records are 'right'. It's as simple as that. So it is of no surprise when my mother happily welcomed my birthmother into her home. In July of 1994, Mom invited Joyce, James and Joey, and his family, to a 'family' dinner. I have to admit I found their resemblance just a little unsettling. Mom had always told me that the social worker had told her that she resembled my birth mother. Who would think a social worker would actually tell the truth about something? For those of you not quite with the program yet: yes, that was total sarcasm. As the mothers were parting, Joyce, in a choked voice, whispered, "Thank you for taking care of my boy." Mom responded in an equally emotionally charged tone, "Thank you for having him." They still exchange letters and cards. • • • • • An early May weekend brought my mother and birthfather together. He ventured east to spend some time with his three sisters and took advantage of the situation. I traveled to the home of his sister, Helen, to see him as well as my sister, Carletta. Mom then joined us later in the weekend. During that weekend I was taken to the family plot to see the graves of Everett's parents, grandmother, one of his sisters, and a cousin and her young son, Danny. Like everything else in this experience, I was surprised at the emotion that it brought forth. Especially with the 13-year-old Danny. Danny Jeffers was a life force to be reckoned with. Anyone who encountered Danny certainly did not forget him. He was born with a deformed heart. It was known, especially by Danny himself, that he only had a short time with us. I assure you he made every minute count. His main goal in life was to become a famous cartoonist. He had an eye and an imagination that exceeded his years. If there is a Good Witch of the North for Cartooning she certainly touched Danny with her magic wand on both shoulders. |
