Articles by Amy Shankland

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…

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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…



Meeting my birth father in person

By AMY SHANKLAND Perfectly Imperfect As my adoption and reunion story continues, I’ve changed some names, places, and dates. June 13, 2015 finally arrived. I woke up that Saturday morning…




Getting to know my birth father

By AMY SHANKLAND Perfectly Imperfect As my adoption and reunion story continues, I’ve changed some names, places, and dates. I told Jack about the Notre Dame alumni publication that started…