...if you have followed along on our journey to adopt our son, then you are probably somewhat aware that I began to contemplate and process my own journey as well. I was told that many adoptees begin this self-reflection at a much younger age, but for me the tipping point was when we decided to become parents...
...I am so thankful and appreciative of the support that my husband has provided me...
...and I know that I would be in trouble if I did not have a community of KADs that have helped me sort through the emotions that have been like a wild roller coaster ride...
...I feel that I had lost myself and I am finally coming out of the fog...
...i am very grateful for the life that I have, and that I am indeed "very lucky" to be in reunion with my family in Korea...
...when I was younger I would have scoffed at the notion that adoptees have a "hole in their heart" due to the many losses in adoption, now I don't...
...and what is that picture you ask? It is my relinquishment paper. I share it, because of so many "brothers and sisters" who would like to have a copy of their own, but are unable to do so. As painful as it is to see and read it leaves no question unanswered...that black smudge is my aboji's fingerprint and his name chop is also on the paper. On the original it is actually in red ink...
Abandonment of Parental Rights
The parents of the minor xxx Hyun Rae (Child Name) and the unique guardians of the child, xxx and xxx (Parents Name) allow the child’s immigration to the United States of America (The Country Name) and adoption by the proper adoptive parents.
I entrust Korean Crusaders Union (David Livingston, Yangyeon Club) with all the rights of the processes for adoption; The right for Physician tests of a child, the right to commence legal proceedings, the right of discretion regarding immigration and adoption, the right to abandon the legal guardians obligations, the right to yield to the adoption agency.
I completely abondon the right as the child’s parent and yield all legal responsibilities to the adopted parents. Furthermore, I am in agreement with the adopted parents, in that they have acquired the right for the legal authority between parent and child.
I abandon the right as the child’s parents and henceforth, the adopted parents have taken over the rights as legal guardians of the child.
Nov. 2. 1976.
Address: Bongchun 1-11
Witness: Lee Jung Ja
Address: Bongchun Bondong 21-3
Name of the parent surrendering legal guardianship: xxx
The Korean Crusaders Union
(David Livingston Yangyeon Club)