I am still single. I was born on 13th February 1951 in a large town in South East Ireland. My daughter is Sinead, who was born in Holles St., Dublin on my 27th birthday. Despite being doped up to the hilt I welcomed and loved her. I christened her Clare Margaret. Clare was after Sr. Clare, a good Shepherd sister who is a midwife, and who drove two of us into Holles Street at Midnight during very heavy snow drifts. I stayed in Dunboyne during the latter half of my pregnancy. I had been sacked from my job as a cook in Donegal's Gaeltacht when my boss found I was pregnant.

My aunt accompanied me from Holles Street to St Patrick’s Guild where I gave my baby to Mother Gabriel who dealt mostly with the adopting couples. My mother and sister did not want to see my daughter.

I returned back to my hometown where I still am. In January 2001 I approached St. Patrick’s Guild in order to be reunited with my daughter. I met Christine Gregory, who said that my daughter had been trying to trace me since 1999. I received my first letter and photos of her in December 2001, and we had our first meeting exactly a year later. I then met her adoptive parents, and they and Sinead visited my mother.

So she got to see her first grandchild after all.

In January 2004 I joined Mathair Áil. Whew just in time! How much I needed the support of other mothers who are also suffering adoption loss! Reuniting is a bit of a rollercoaster with great ups and downs.

I wish all the best to those who read this site. To those who may wish to join I would say take that plunge and happy landings!

Love and best wishes,

Laura