Late Discovery

For those of us who have "always" known we were adopted, adoption is an ingrained component (whether conscious or unconscious) of our identities. I can only try to imagine what it would be like to find out later in life. Maybe like dropping through a trap door. Then that feeling you get when you look at your feet while standing in shallow ocean waves- the water comes in, then draws the sand around your feet away with it, and you feel dizzy.

I've always been curious about the late-discovery experience, and the fact that “late discovery” has earned this unique designation has prompted me look for articles, stories, and research. (Via internet search, I’ve mostly landed on the Post Adoption Resource Centre, Australia- link below. I’m still searching for books.)

At some point following the spring American Adoption Congress conference, I had contacted AAC Representative Jenni Dyman- a fellow New Mexican and adoptee- and learned that she is a late-discovery adoptee. I told her I’d be interested in talking with her more at length about the subject at some point. The “some point” is here. We’re going to meet in Albuquerque next week and she’s agreed to do “an interview” with me, which we’ll publish to the blog. I look forward to meeting her. I’ve got so many questions.

http://www.bensoc.org.au/uploads/documents/why-wasnt-i-told-may2001.pdf