In search of family heritage.

 This article is a personal  reflection on the issues I have faced because my  biological heritage  was hidden from me.  This problem is common  among closed adoptions where someone else  decides for us  that knowledge of our genetic heritage is not important. I am fortunate to have been adopted by a wonderful loving Mom and Dad. This does not make up for the fact that our society's inhumane adoption policies have resulted in even the most basic information about inherited  life threatening medical issues and  answers to  my sense of self questions being  withheld from  me. 

I know I am not the only adoptee who has looked in the mirror with a longing for answers.   Why do I have the traits I have ? or Where did I get that characteristic?    Psychologists call this "genealogical bewilderment".   Many of our genetic biological traits and physical characteristics  are passed from generation to generation. There are the obvious biological traits such as general appearance, color eyes, height and weight. There are also numerous aspects of our core identity that I am convinced are part of our genetic makeup. It is essential for a complete understanding of our sense of self that we have access to our genetic history. 

 

There is  also the importance of knowledge about  medical conditions that are passed in our genes from generation to generation. As I grew  older it got  more and more difficult to answer my physicians  simple questions  such as "Any history of heart disease?"  with  "I don't know I'm adopted."  What if there were generations of early death due to the some  inheritable cause?  Why would anyone not want me to know  that?  And yet that is exactly the position I found myself in.  I hope that the reader will reflect on my remarks and think about what it must be like.With the increase of medical science there are many conditions  that are shown to be linked to our genes. We  are able to take preventative action to protect our health if we are aware of conditions that run in the family.  How tragic would it be to die at an unnecessarily young age due to an illness that could have been detected if only you had known to test for it?  

In my search for information on my paternal genetic roots I have met many kind and understanding members of the extended Cottrell family.  I have created this web site in the  hope that  by  reaching  out to  other members of the Cottrell family and their friends they will  learn about and understand my need for  knowledge about my genetic heritage. I hope they  will show their compassion by contacting  me with offers to help. Several  visitors to this site over the last few months  have answered my plea and  I will be forever grateful to them  for their help and understanding.

 Most people who are not adopted do not understand the deep need some of us have to know and understand our biological heritage.   I am very proud of both my adopted and genetic heritage.  When I need information about my Rheault, Howe, or Sproul  heritage  I can simply grab the photo album off the shelf or   pick up the phone and ask my questions about my roots  and receive an answer. I hope the day will come soon when  the outreach on this website will no longer be necessary and I can do the same with  the Cottrell family.

If you can help I appreciate your consideration. Mark

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