Adoptee, Daryn Watson’s reunion inspired a poem that evokes the initial rush of discovery.
By Daryn Watson
Twenty-five years and three months to the day
Since you had to give me away
For the first time I heard your voice
You told me you didn’t have a choice
A great sacrifice you did make
To give me a home for my sake
A chance to give me a better life
Provided by a husband and a wife
Bob and Irene were their names
Daryn Robert Watson became my name
Along with Juanita, that made us four
Raising two kids, oh what a chore
In August ’95, I began to look
After reading an adoption book
My birth name was Lyle Richard Campion
Knowing that— I felt like a Champion
A woman named Dee put me on “The Net”
It won’t find her, I thought, at least not yet.
Roy Kading in Winnipeg picked up my name
Determined to solve the mystery game
October 8th, a message from Nancy
Roy with news liking to my fancy
I called but no one was home
Tears filled my eyes when I was alone
I prayed to God, “What should I do?”
“Wait,” he said. “It’s not up to you.”
“Okay,” I said and tried to let it go
The outcome happened, as we both know
October 9th, again I called Roy
“I found her,” he said. I felt such joy
Have patience—as she might not call back
The anticipation was more than I could hack
A half hour later, I heard the phone ring
The sound of your voice made my heart sing
“This is your real mother,” I heard you say
“OH MY GOD,” I said. This is a true Thanksgiving Day
I asked, “What is your name?”
“Valerie,” you replied
I had two brothers and I cried
Sheldon and Troy were not there
My new family truly does care
On December 21st we will first meet
I know my heart will skip a beat
A huge burden will leave your heart
Now that we have a brand new start
The rest of our lives we have to share
I feel peace, knowing you’ll be there
With thanks to God from above
I give your family all my love!
END NOTE: After a brief search, I found my birth mother in Alberta, Canada. Through the 18-plus years of my adoption reunion experience, I’ve learned more about myself, and the complexities of adoption reunions. I hope that my writings will help educate other members of the adoption triad and the general public. To see more of his writings, visit Daryn’s website.
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