My beautiful boy, Sam!

Many of you have been following my story of Sam on Facebook, but others are requesting that the story be told. I will do my best to give as many details as I can, but life has been so busy that a lot of the details may slip through the cracks. Feel free to ask questions and I will fill you in.

On June 26, 1986, at the age of 18, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. I was not in the position to raise such a precious gift, so I gave him up for adoption. It was the hardest day of my entire life. I struggled to find peace in my heart to know what would be best for him. The decision was made that a family friend would place him in a loving and secure home, to be adored and loved as I loved him. I gave the adopting family a letter, details about my life, and a St. Christopher medal to be passed on to him when he was 16.

The family named him Sam.

When he turned 16, Sam’s dad gave him the information I provided, then became ill. Sam spent the next few years watching out for his dad and helping to take care of him during this trying time. His dad recuperated, and Sam decided to continue the search.

Sam found phone numbers for me and Mike (his birth father), but wasn't comfortable calling our homes. Instead he reached out by searching MySpace, where he found Mike. Sam and Mike tried to contact me, but I was traveling. I returned home to an e-mail from Mike and a couple messages from Sam. The first contact was a friend request on Facebook, but I didn't recognize the name/picture. I almost deleted it, but instead ignored it and continued to answer e-mails. I then came across another e-mail from Sam saying "Subject: hey mom “its me your long lost son... lol... i've missed you we have a lot to catch up on...."! Well, I was totally in shock. I responded with "Confused?! Need more information!" Then about an hour later it hit me. OMG, it's him. In the meantime I was able to speak with Mike. They had been corresponding for a few days and he told me all about Sam. After hanging up, I called him immediately.
His voice was like hearing angels sing. It warmed my heart and left me feeling an immediate urge to see him, touch him, know him -- it had been 22 years of longing and wait. It was very overwhelming and hard to believe that it was real -- that it was actually finally happening. I never really let myself believe that he would search for us. (I think it was a defense mechanism.) When I would tell the story of the decision to place him, my heart would ache with a constant urge to find him.

So, I would place all my faith in God, that he was fine and happy.

When I placed him, it was a private adoption, so I had no contact information. If I had the info, I would have never acted on it. I never wanted to alter his life, especially if he wasn't ready, so I just decided to try and live each day praying that my boy was happy and safe!

On March 10, I spoke with my son. He was warm, sweet, and caring. He filled me up. He was more than I had ever dreamed he could be. I wanted to try and go to Chicago at the end of March to see him. (As most of you know I am so very patient...lol) That lasted about a day. I decided that I just couldn’t wait. I sent him a buddy pass, so that he could come meet his “new” family. Alot of you have asked me if my family knew about Sam. Sam was never a secret. I have always believed that honesty is best and wanted my family and friends to know about him. I also hoped that my story could help another deal with the very emotional decision to place a child. I was very open with anyone who inquired.

I met Sam on March 15. My husband captured it on video, and I will be forever grateful!!! The connection was instantaneous. We were locked! It still amazes me, the bond that is created at birth. I couldn’t stop touching him and looking at him. Wow…. I was speechless...And as you all know, speechless very out-of-character for me!!!!!

(See the video Lori Meets Sam from Sean Rourke on Vimeo.)

Sam spent the next 10 days getting to know us. He and his brothers hit it off immediately. They have many of the same interests. Music is a huge part of my family and Sam was blessed with that musical talent. He loves to play, sing, and create music. He is truly amazing. While here he looked into the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. He was smitten and has decided that he will attend the next term. My boy is coming home. He will be living in AZ, finally…..

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. I’m sure all of this will take some adjusting, but I have complete faith that he is where he needs to be. I think we can help him achieve his dreams and find his place in the world. We are hoping to be a very influential part of his life. He is HOME…….

P.S. Check out Facebook for more pictures and information.

The Find

Here is a picture, taken in December 2007, of my husband Sean, Debbie and Pete Pickett.
Thanks to everyone for all the nice messages about my story.

It really is quite remarkable!

I still can't believe I was so lucky to have found her.

I wanted to post Pete's version of the very same day.

We both sat down and wrote out all the details of our day.

Hope you enjoy his story as well.

Today is the anniversary of the day I found my birth mother!

On October 9, 1998, I was blessed. There is no doubt that I was in the presence of angels! My search should never have been easy, but everything fell right into place. It was as if the timing was perfect and the stars were aligned! I made a last minute decision to go to the top with my search. I was scheduled to have surgery and thought maybe that would be reason enough to open my long-sealed adoption records.

For some reason I had no preconceived notions about a reunion. I just felt compelled to know her. I don't remember a time in my life that I didn't care to know. It wasn't because I had an unhappy life--yeah, life was hard--but I wasn't trying to replace anything. It was just a yearning inside, a need to know, to see, to hear.

I had the pleasure of finding my birth mother. I was blessed that it was a positive experience for both of us. I often get asked the question, "What would you have done if she didn't want to meet you?" The answer was easy; I would thank her for choosing to give me life, instead of the alternative.

After I found her, I came home and wrote down every detail. I didn't want to forget a single thing about the whole ordeal. It was a story of miracles. One that I was blessed enough to experience!


To read the story of "The Search" click here.

Trying to figure this out.

It's been a while since I've posted, but I have been trying to figure out the best way to tackle this project. I've been trying to learn ways to make it perfectly easy to post and construct what I'm trying to say.- O.K. I know it won't be perfect, but God knows I'll try....

It's been a very interesting challenge for me. I have been a Lurker on many Blogs for so long, but I've never felt that I'm "computer savvy" enough to try it on my own. Huge step for me and I must admit, quite confusing. I had a couple computer classes in College, but that was ions ago and my husband has always been here to save me from myself and all my computer mistakes. ("Honey why is this so slow?.... What happened to my screen?.... I swear I didn't delete anything!... How would I possibly know how to delete a Modem?") He has had to endure my p.c. ignorance for so long. It's amazing to see how much faith he has in my ability to figure this Blogging thing out. (Thanks for the love honey!)

I have been behind the chair for 21 years and will share many of the funny and interesting stories that I have heard. The emotional, uninhibited, tangled lives we lead are no longer completely shocking. Every time I think I've heard it all I haven't. I think of my clients like family. They entrust me with so many feelings and truths. Together we have struggled, learned, loved and laughed. Their journeys have become , in a sense, my journey. I will change all names to protect the innocent and not so innocent..... I will forewarn you if the story is censored....
There have been more than a handful of those!

I will share my story and journey of finding my birth mother. And the most painful challenge I have ever had to endure, becoming pregnant at the age of 17 and giving up my son for Adoption.

I mentioned that I love to Bake and will try and share photos of my creations. I haven't been very diligent in taking pictures of my favorite concoctions, but I love to see a picture of what I'm going to attempt to make. Maybe it will take me out of my comfort zone. I tend to gravitate towards the recipes that contain Chocolate. Yep, I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!!! I also have this cupcake fetish. They are so adorable and I could eat one (or more!) daily. But, I have self control.... I won't do that....(-I keep repeating this Mantra in my head!)

I will share my thoughts on Health, Diet and Fitness. I have learned through many of my blogs that the key to true success is moderation and accountability. I will also add reviews of the workout DVDs that I use and love.

I have added the links of my favorite blogs below. -I'm not sure if I should get their permission first. (Maybe I'll shoot them an quick note and see if they have objections.)
Anyway, I find them quite enjoyable and I have learned so may things from these folks.

If your at all interested.... There is much more to come!