About DearAdoptee

I was a closed adoption in the mid-1960's. My sister and I  have always known we were adopted. I always had questions about being adopted...and people always asked me questions. So many questions. Never-ending questions. Adoption is like a great mystery of life. Searching never seemed an option as I was told I would be extremely disloyal to my family if I chose that path. The need to know shaped my life and many life choices. I studied Social Work at the University of Georgia because I could "search" in the guise of research. However, I was not able to get the real answers I was looking for. The need to find my roots didn't dissipate, yet the felt-pressure from family to not search never ceased. It was painful for all of us. So many fears. I was so conflicted. Always. At age 26, I joined an adoption search group in NYC. I finally met a group of people like me. People with questions that needed answers. Tough questions. Not always pretty answers. With their support, I found my birth father, then my birth mother followed by lots of siblings. No adoption journey is the same. There is no manual. There are lots of secrets, beliefs  and apprehensions. Let's dispel the myths together.

Julie Jbara

Adoptee

Certified Professional Coach

MA, Spiritual Psychology

Bachelor of Social Work