About Me

"Who am I?" is a fundamental human question we all ask ourselves, consciously or subconsciously. Under normal circumstances, we discover our identity through family reunions, pictures on the wall, meeting various relatives, etc. However, being abandoned made my answer less easily accessible. 

Born shortly after WWII to a German woman and American Army Soldier during a time when mixed-race relationships were stigmatized, I was abandoned to live in a kinderheim until adopted by an American couple. 

Despite my wonderful parents, I still had an internal desire to seek out my birth parents as I grieved over the loss of them, questioning my self-worth. "Who am I?" "Why did she abandon me?"  

Abandonment touches our lives at one time or another through divorce, death, lack of affection from a partner, etc. The trauma of grief and loss through abandonment appears in many ways throughout our lives. It affects our relationships, trust of others, and general outlook on life.

The title alone evokes a sense of the complex issues of race, identity, and belonging I've grappled with throughout my life. A chapter on Love, Forgiveness, and Healing brings a deeper reflection on the journey toward acceptance and reconciliation. Writing my story gave me insight, developed my personal growth, and offered valuable lessons and reflections for navigating the path of healing and forgiveness.

Growing up in segregated times, I faced numerous challenges related to my mixed heritage. Despite obstacles, I pursued an education, earning severe degrees, and have dedicated my life to serving others.