I was born and adopted in Indiana. When I turned eighteen I considered myself an adult. I could buy a pack of cigarettes.I could vote for the President.I could buy a gun. When I turned twenty-one I could go to a bar.I could order a drink.I could get drunk.But I was never allowed to inquire… Continue reading Infant is my name
Tag: original birth certificate
How I became Diamond Mike
My name has not always been Diamond Mike. In fact, when I was born I never had a name. The name Michael was given to me three days later by a loving woman and man who I would later call mom and dad. I was adopted. I never did meet my birthmother, who died in… Continue reading How I became Diamond Mike
Kitten in a Box
One day my daughter returned from school when she noticed a young lad in the parking lot of a gas station offering free kittens from a cardboard box. "This one is named...Lola," the boy searched for a name as he cuddled one of the furry creatures. "She is so lovable and kind," the boy continued… Continue reading Kitten in a Box
Senate Bill 91
The State of Indiana recently passed a bill that allows the release of identifying adoption information to adoptees. It is called Senate Bill 91. For over 50 years, the dark “closed records” era of Indiana spanned from 1941-1993. This period banned all adoptees, many being over 75 years old, to see their original birth records.… Continue reading Senate Bill 91
My Original Birth Certificate
This birth certificate may look unimportant, but the State of Indiana hid it from me for 36 years. To this day, I am not supposed to know who I am or where I came from. To receive this, I was required to send a copy of my birth mother's death certificate to the Indiana State… Continue reading My Original Birth Certificate