Description
Moses, Marilyn Monroe, and I have one thing in common. All three of us we’re adopted. Have you ever wondered what it would feel like being adopted? Would you want to know if you have any brothers or sisters somewhere in the world? What was the reason they had to give you up for adoption anyway? Imagine feeling the nagging need for finding the answers to these questions day after day. Would you want to meet your maternal parents?
How I handled being an adopted only child was my way, maybe not the right way.
As you read this book, please think of what you would do differently or how this relates to you or someone you know.
Blended families experience some of these questions too, but most likely they have a relationship or contact with one or more of their blood relatives and family.
How does adoption affect a child’s life? Is there a difference if they are adopted before the age of one, compared to being adopted at five years old or older? Perhaps they dismiss their feelings as they get older. Perhaps not.
I am happy that I was finally adopted. My life obviously would have been very different with another family. You do not need to feel sorry for me. Just know that the feelings are different on both sides, the adopter, and the adoptee. As Ralph Waldo Emmerson once said, “Your actions speak so loud I can’t hear what you say.”
Adoption is full of mixed feelings that can change, but never go away because there are four things that you can’t get back:
1. A missed opportunity
2. A word that has been said
3. Time that has passed
4. Trust after its loss.
Let me share with you my 72-year full life story. I will take you on a journey from Chicago to Muscoda, Wisconsin. You will meet the Shaggs and experience the merger of Riverdale High School back in the 60’s. Then we will go to Dubuque, Iowa and Loras college. You will be with me through the first ping pong ball draft in the country, and some Military life. I will take you through years with the United States Navy. We will also make stops in Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida and even out to California. You will experience my reaction to having cancer and find out what caused it.
There will be many different jobs and difficult decisions that must be made quickly. You will experience the highs and lows and how friends and family play an important part to help fill voids in my life. Perhaps my story will help you change your perception of someone you know. I am hoping I can help others along the way.
Table of Contents
1. Speed Skating
2. Missing the first four years
3. Who am I? who are you?
4. Dominus Vobiscum
5. Longboat Key
6. We need a change
7. Freshmen year at Muscoda High
8. Sophomore year at Muscoda High
9. The Merger! Riverdale High
10. 1969 and doing fine
11. Loras college
12. United States Navy
13. Bootcamp
14. Aviation electronics A school
15. Class AVIB school
16. VA-82 USS America in the Med
17. Jeanne and I get married
18. The first four months
19. Saying goodbye again
20. Next stop Yankee Station
21. End of the War
Language : English
Publication Date : Mar 23, 2023