Life

The adoption anniversary symptoms seem to be subsiding and after a week-long, much needed vacation in Florida, life seems to be moving forward. i was so bummed to return to the cold and snow. The sunshine makes life so much brighter...at least for me, anyway.

I've been drawn in to that new-ish show called Who Do You Think You Are? and am completely interested in family trees now. I'm considering doing a family tree for myself on my adoptive family and birth family. While I know quite a bit of info on my birthmom's side...I don't know much on my birthfather's side. I have some general info and have access to info on my birthfather's paternal side...but on his maternal side, all I have is his biological mother's name and some facts that sometimes conflict with each other. The thing is, my birthfather's mother died when he was around 12 years old...and then he was 'mothered' by his step-mother, his father's second wife. My birthfather is not a really good source of info, given he can't open his mouth without spitting out a lie. Seriously.

While I am interested in the whole family tree thing and am wondering where did all of my families come from and what kinda awesome facts are waiting to be discovered, I also know that delving into bfam stuff can take an emotional toll. So, small steps. One step at a time.

I think my best first step is getting in touch with Nana Helen - my birthfather's step-mother (she is not referred to as a 'step', I just say that to note the difference that she's not his biological mother) and sitting down with her. She knows...probably...the most about my birthfather's history and I know that she knew my bio-grandmother at one point. I also know that Nana Helen likes to make things look pretty and not note anything that could make someone look bad. So, I read between the lines when it comes to what she says...but she's very sweet...I really like her a lot. I got a lot of info a couple of years ago on my birthfather's mother...but lost it. I have no idea where it all went...so now I only have what's in my own memory, unless I find the other written info.

One step at a time.