Hello, my name is Loralee Vogel.  I am a daughter, a sister, a wife, a cousin, a niece, and a granddaughter. I am a gardener, a sailor, a SCUBA diver, and a real water-nut.  I am a singer, a skier, a world traveler, adventure seeker, and a fun-loving troublemaker. This is my adoption story.

As a lover of books, I read a book called The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades before Roe v. Wade by Ann Fessler. This work gave a voice to the woman who gave birth to me back in the early 1960s.

In late 2009, I walked into Children's Home Society to respond to a job posting I had seen on their web page.  I also had another motive — to see where I was from.  Through the agency, I was adopted at birth by Peter and Robin Byrnes. My mother told me this when I was old enough to understand the concept of adoption. I have three younger sisters and both of my parents are now deceased. Like many couples who turn to adoption, my parents wanted children very badly but thought they could not have their own. After adopting me they had three biological daughters, all of whom I love deeply. I grew up in a very loving and supportive home where I was encouraged to pursue all my interests. I had and continue to have a wonderful fulfilling life and I am happy. I was not ever interested nor curious about finding my birth mother or biological father, as my parents were my parents and my sisters, my sisters. Only after reading the Fessler book did I decide to take the plunge and start the search/reunification process.

I started with the adoption and reunion team. I sent in my paperwork with search fees and received a packet back with what was termed "non-identifying" information (no last names, birth dates, cities, company names, etc). The description on the intake report of my birth mother sounded like a description of me! My heart skipped a beat… I didn't realize I had hidden feelings about this that I had never thought of… I decided to delve further and take the next step. I wanted to know more. Among other things, I was interested in learning my medical history and also about my bloodline.

At this point I was hired as an intern in the marketing department at Children's Home Society.  Given my strong sales background, the projects have all proven a good ‘fit' and I have enjoyed the work along with a great staff. I was fascinated to find out that Children's Home Society was not just all about adoptions! I learned that they also provide early learning, family support, out-of-home care, child and family counseling, and advocacy services. I have discovered a truly amazing organization with a long history and one that continues to touch lives in a beautiful way every day.

As I continued my work with the marketing team, the search for my birth mother and biological father was ongoing. I did not expect that my reunification process would be such an emotional roller coaster. The process has been one of self-discovery, a bit of mystery, intrigue, and an all-round extraordinary journey.

This summer, Children's Home Society was able to locate my birth mother. While they have yet to locate my biological father, the search continues and I have opened a channel of dialogue with my birth mother, as well as her daughters.

The staff at CHS have been supportive and caring every step of the way. A new adventure is about to unfold with my birth mother and her family. While a little nervous, I am filled with excitement and anticipation of what the future may bring. I know wherever I am on life's journey, Children's Home Society will play a welcoming and key role.

Because of my adoption through Children's Home Society, I feel fortunate to have grown up in a loving home where I was nurtured, educated, loved, and thrived. Children's Home Society is also part of my personal history. They help make our world one where all children thrive. 

It is the mission of Children's Home Society to develop healthy children, create strong families, build engaged communities, and speak and advocate for children. I love being a part of this! Wouldn't everyone?