I have been on ancestry for a long time. Nearly 2 years ago, my mother passed away. My mother had been adopted by my loving grandparents in 1952. My mother chose to never discover her birth records, but I was curious. Finally, this past August, I made the trip to the courthouse, and received the info in October. It was the typical tale of a young teen getting pregnant and not being able to care for her child. Reading the details was a bit excruciating at times because the young mom did make an effort, but nothing was in her favor. Finally, she dropped contact with her child and my mother was placed in my grandparents' home. I feel a bit torn because I adored my grandparents, but also because perhaps I would not be here today unless my mother had been adopted. I'm thankful to finally have the name of my biological grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. I discovered my biological maternal grandmother stopped seeing my mother at the adoption center shortly after her older sister passed away in a motorcycle crash. I know my bio grandmother is deceased now, but I found the picture of my bio great-grandmother's headstone. I find it very interesting to discover these connections. I have worried often that I may be betraying my mother's wishes, but overall, I think this has provided me with some closure.

I have been on ancestry for a long time. Nearly 2 years ago, my mother passed away. My mother had been adopted by my loving grandparents in 1952. My mother chose to never discover her birth records, but I was curious. Finally, this past August, I made the trip to the courthouse, and received the info in October. It was the typical tale of a young teen getting pregnant and not being able to care for her child. Reading the details was a bit excruciating at times because the young mom did make an effort, but nothing was in her favor. Finally, she dropped contact with her child and my mother was placed in my grandparents' home. I feel a bit torn because I adored my grandparents, but also because perhaps I would not be here today unless my mother had been adopted. I'm thankful to finally have the name of my biological grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. I discovered my biological maternal grandmother stopped seeing my mother at the adoption center shortly after her older sister passed away in a motorcycle crash. I know my bio grandmother is deceased now, but I found the picture of my bio great-grandmother's headstone. I find it very interesting to discover these connections. I have worried often that I may be betraying my mother's wishes, but overall, I think this has provided me with some closure.