Articles by Amy Shankland

Learning my heritage

As my adoption and reunion story continues, I’ve changed some names, places, and dates. Another compelling reason for states to open their adoption records is so adoptees can work to…

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A life well lived & well loved

Dear Readers, I’m afraid I must pause my adoption and reunion story today. Noblesville lost one of its greatest residents a week ago. Betty Gerrard, known to many as Betsy…


Don’t rush your reunion

As my adoption and reunion story continues, I’ve changed some names, places, and dates. Around Thanksgiving in 2015, my birth mother Linda and I once again were in the middle…


Nature vs. nurture

As my adoption and reunion story continues, I’ve changed some names, places, and dates. Seeing my birth father’s sister, June, in the fall of 2015 was another lightning moment for…


Finally, someone who looks like me

As my adoption and reunion story continues, I’ve changed some names, places, and dates. “Have you talked to Jack?” my birth mother Linda asked in early October of 2015. I…



Telling my sons about my discovery

As my adoption and reunion story continues, I’ve changed some names, places, and dates. I believe the various emotions I felt the day I met my birth father are what…


More conversation with my birth father

As my adoption and reunion story continues, I’ve changed some names, places, and dates. After giving me my first baby picture, Jack then showed me a brochure of the nonprofit…