Shoddy-Blacksmith336 t1_iyz5i2w wrote on December 5, 2022 at 6:57 AM

Oh Boy, does this hit a nerve for me. I was abandoned on the doorsteps of a Church in Hoboken NJ. in December 1946 - (obviously I'll be 76 fairly soon), almost 9 months to the day after that iconic picture of the Sailor returning home from WW2, kissing a Girl in NYC. It was on the cover of "Life Magazine" at that time.

I caught Pneumonia and had it for about my first year. The State named me Joan Potter. My theory for that is, they thought I was going to expire and they'd bury me in "Potter's Field" !

I not only survived, I was lucky enough to be adopted by The Most Fantastic Parents Anyone could dream of at almost two years old.

Anyway, I have never know either of my Biological Parents. I have always assumed the Girl, more than likely didn't know the Boy , as in a one night stand situation.

I Finally created my very first Biological relative when I was 29. (a baby Girl). To have a blood relative was very Special for me ! (I eventually had three - two Boys)

I have accepted that whoever my Biological Mother and Father were, they are probably long gone by now. However It's my guess that I may have Siblings, (on both sides), so This Gentleman's Story affords me a modicum of hope.

I appreciate and Thank those that shared it 🙂. Very Happy for you.

JaneLee - now in Suburban Philadelphia

12/5/22

CoolRanchBaby t1_iyzculn wrote on December 5, 2022 at 8:40 AM

Thank you for sharing your story! That’s interesting that you were born exactly 9 months after V-J day. I am so happy you were adopted by lovely people.

There’s a great group on Facebook called Search Squad that has volunteer “Search Angels” who help people with records and DNA. Have you done DNA yet?

Best wishes!

Shoddy-Blacksmith336 t1_iyzdp9d wrote on December 5, 2022 at 8:53 AM

Thank you so much for replying to me 😊. I have not as yet done DNA but my Daughter did send for an "Ancestry" Kit.

I do hope Someone besides myself is still surviving 🥴. Though God did Grant me 3 Children for which I am Considerably Grateful 🌟.

Also, I don't Subscribe to 'Facebook'. I'm afraid at my age I'm not very astute at Technology. It's just You Tube for me. Everything I know about Tech, I learned there.

Thanks again, JaneLee 🕊️

CoolRanchBaby t1_iyzeik4 wrote on December 5, 2022 at 9:05 AM

I totally understand, but do think about either you or your daughter signing up to Facebook to ask that group for help in future if needed, it is a private group. It’s usually easy to ask to join, but if you or she have any problems doing so just message me. I can try to help or message the admins. I might be able to send an invite as a member.

If you share your story I know there people knowledgeable people who will want to help. They will almost definitely say to get your DNA tested in the first instance, so maybe do that first!

If you haven’t done DNA yet you might get a match instantly and not need help anyway! If you get distant matches though there are people on Search Squad who have used that to track down closed family so don’t give up.

Best wishes, and just keep it in mind for future, and your daughter can always join the group on your behalf!

Shoddy-Blacksmith336 t1_iyzfrm8 wrote on December 5, 2022 at 9:25 AM

Thank You again. I appreciate you taking the time to offer all the suggestions you did. I will Certainly ask my Daughter.....as a matter of fact, I'll save your reply and show it to Her.

It just occurred to me, my Grandchildren might someday appreciate knowing Their Ancestry via my side of Their Family.

When giving it a thought, it does sound quite exciting 💗. I think it's difficult for those who know their biological family to completely understand those who do not. I have never expected them to 😏.