Its an empty file but at least there's no denial!

I filed a clearance request with the Central Adoption Registry in Lansing, MI in order to find out if either of my birth parents filed a consent or denial with the registry which they did not. Bethany Christian Services has informed me that since there is not a denial filed they can now release to me names and last know addresses of my birth parents. I called them today and will be getting that information over the phone tomorrow.

Let me catch you up on what I know so far:

• I was born in Greenville General Hospital on Sept. 13, 1982
• I was placed in a foster home as planned
• My birth mother took me back a couple months after for a short time but I ended up back foster care.
• The second foster family I was placed with (who are amazing people that I'm blessed to still be in touch with) I was with for 9 months before being adopted at 14 months old by David and Melanie Beelen
• I moved to Grand Rapids, MI which is where I spend the next 18 years
• In my pre-teen years I was allowed to read my adoption summary which informed me that my birth mom was raped, had a drug problem, was a dancer (not sure what type) and a previous daughter who was being raised by her mother.

There's a lot more to the story of course but I just wanted to give you a quick run-through. Adoption has always been an open topic in my family being that myself and my two siblings are adopted. We were always taught to be proud of who we are which has become easier as I've gotten older. I've been extremely blessed with the family I was adopted into.

Now that I'm getting names and addresses (current or not) its making this process more real. I know that I have a long way to go but having the "legal ok" is encouraging!