My Life As An Adopted Individual

I found out that I was adopted back in the 1970's. My biological mother had given me up for adoption in the 1960's. I never disclosed to anyone that I was adopted until 1996. During the summer of 1996 I received a letter from my biological mother who had located me at my current address. On one particular day I came home from work my father conveyed to me that my biological mother had called in the afternoon asking for me. She wanted me to come to Florida so I could meet my half brother and two half sisters. I was unable to make the trip because I had just started a new job. I remember how difficult it was writing that first letter. I felt like this person was a stranger to me. The best word describing this situation would be overwhelming. After a while it became much easier to correspond with her. She sent me pictures of my half brother and half sisters. She sent me numerous gifts for my birthday and Christmas. I have indicated to a couple of people that I was adopted. I was terrified to let anyone know I was adopted because of the type of reaction that I would receive. I had a fear of rejection so I never mentioned it to anyone.