For the next 15 years, I lived in remote Arkansas; raised by retired American military couple and a sister adopted from Japan (same age; mixed Japan/Sweden—she barely looked Asian and was fortunate to meet your birth Mother in Japan about 10+ years ago).

But I still felt something missing. I was so busy taking care of my family and work after college, I put behind me any idea of searching for my birth parents as I felt it would be impossible with so little to go on. Also I was always told by my adopting parents that my birth parents died and no other families exist. I'm sure they didn't want me to attempt any search on my own. I don't recall my adoption experience a happy one; meeting basics needs was what I received. Beyond that, no attempt to allow me to learn about my heritage nor encourage traveling to Korea. When I lost my baby cuteness and novelty among their friends, their treatment of me changed and not for the better. Even though my parents had two older natural sons which they supported through their college years, I and my adopted sister were not offered to have our college paid. Financial support stopped when I graduated from high school. I had to work full time to pay college which luckily I was able to complete with help from my husband in four years.

Since both adoptive parents have passed away, I was estranged from over 20+ years from them prior to their passing a few years ago as a result of poor relationship.  A long story for another time.