Search & Reunion Stories

Jan. 1964 was a very wonderful and sad day for me. I had my firstborn child and had to say goodbye to him a few days later. I held, rocked and spent time with my son before we had to part. I was asked if I would like to name him and I was surprised that I was given that choice. I said "YES". I named him Bryan. It was a very painfull day one which I will never forget! I always knew when he became 21 I was going to try to find him. What I did not know was how hard this would be!! Everything is a very big secret and locked tight in Indiana from that time. I spent many years putting my name in data bases all over. One day, my husband and I decided to visit St. Elizabeth/Coleman. I went in to learn that St. Elizabeth's now had the Coleman Home records!! What a shock!! The nicest lady asked me to wait and Katrina would be happy to speak with me and probably could help me!! Another shock!! No one had ever offered to help me in 25 years so I was speachless. Katrina was so nice, helpful, caring and knowledgeable of what I should do to begin my search!! I was very excited and scared thinking about what was about to unfold. Katrina talked with me about all the different outcomes that could happen, and of course we both had a smile on our faces hoping for nothing less than wonderful!! That was a Thursday and by Monday she had found my son!! He seemed very excited and happy that he was found!! He said he had also tried with his adopted Mom in the mid 80's to find me with no sucess. I believe finding Bryan was nothing short of a miracle as the lawyer that did the adoption changed his county, city and hospital in which he was born! I do not understand how this could be done but we would have NEVER found each other on our own. Katrina was definately our angel that day!! I then began talking endlessly to Katrina as I just could not hardly believe what I was hearing!! Katrina then helped with the email and pictures between us!! Katrina then sent him the papers that needed to be sent to Vital Records in Indy. Darci, who was amazing, started quickly to work on our file and got everything in order, we received our letters from the state and everything began happening!!!
I now have met Bryan (the name I had given him) his wife Angie and their son Trevor!! We have been together often and our children have been excited to have a new family member.
I am once again blessed to have been given the chance to be in Bryan's life!!
I am also blessed to have a wonderful family that can accept Bryan, Angie and Trevor!!
I am also blessed to have a wonderful husband who loves me and supported me through all of this!!
And to my Special Angel Katrina, that not only made this wonderful journey happen, but I feel as I have a Special friend and sister!!
With Hope & Prayers,
Jennifer & Alan Holden