By Ryan Bomberger for THE STREAM
Dear Birthmom,
You don’t know me, but you saved me.
As I’m writing this, I’m trying, as I have so many times, to picture your face. Nothing comes to mind. It’s a void that’s been there all of my life. Your eyes, your nose, your hair, your skin. I have no idea what you look like.
When I see my reflection, I know you’re in the face that is looking back at me.
I searched for you years ago after I graduated with my Master’s Degree. My heart longed to simply tell you how grateful I am. I petitioned the court to unseal my adoption records and sent a copy of a song I had written to you called “Meant to Be.” The Cumberland County, Pennsylvania judge was moved by the letter and allowed the search to be conducted. The song expresses every emotion I’ve felt about someone who not only gave me the gift of life, but the gift of adoption.
