I was made a Ward of the State of Victoria, Australia in May of 1961 at the age of 15 months along with my natural sister who was only 2 months of age. We were taken to the Broadmeadows Baby's Home, run by the Catholic Church, to be cared for with over 50 other babies and small children. We were placed on the Adoption list upon our arrival with notations from our natural family, requesting we be placed together. We were viewed by many potential parents but we were never placed due to the fact that many families were hoping to adopt a single young baby, we were a dual package not to be separated.
In August of 1961, three months after our placement a couple in their mid 30's were found requesting to adopt two children, we were introduced and a bond formed immediately. The couple requested to place us and the screening process began. Further interviews were given, home visits were made and all the legal documents were prepared.
Mid morning on September 18th 1961, we started our new journey in life and become a part of the M family. Our legal Adoption order was placed and verified on September 4th 1962.
We arrived at our new home to anxiously awaiting siblings, and a few choice relatives. My mum has always said how withdrawn I was at the time, just taking the events in and watching everything at a distance, meanwhile my sister was relishing in all the cuddles and attention. After a few hours I was taken outside and found the cubby house, I ventured in to found a teddy to cuddle, my outward appearance changed and I smiled with great delight.
The very first photo taken of myself is at this moment, and I have always cherished it, and been saddened by it at the same time. Photo's capture but a moment of time, recording our evolution to what we will become. I had but lost 19 months of my life, not knowing the events that made me who I was at that point of time.
I and my sister was made aware of our Adoption at around the ages of five and four whilst the whole family was present. Mum so beautifully explained how God helped them find us, so we could be a part of their family. I have always been grateful to my parents for adopting us and also admire and respect them for allowing us to know so early in life.
All too often I have witnessed unnecessary grief and great pain when families loose a child, all because they "were trying to protect them." by keeping the adoption hidden. Knowing the right thing to do is easy, doing it seems to be the hardest part for many an adoptive parent. The end result will always be the same.
Tell your child as soon as they are able to understand, this way they comprehend just how special they are to the family that adopted them, they are after all, chosen.
