Annie’s Mailbox: To search for birth parents, check ISRR

Dear Annie: I was adopted as an infant. My parents were never willing to talk about my biological parents. I recently found my birth certificate, which has both my biological mother and father listed.

I am curious as to whether or not I should try to contact them. I am now in my 40s, and it happened so long ago that they might not want me bringing up the past. But I am curious as to what they look like and whether they have other kids. But I am afraid, too.

If I decide to go ahead, what is the best way to contact them? – Adopted

Dear Adopted: First check your state adoption agency (often through the state health department) to find out whether they have a registry that allows both birth parents and adoptees to list information in case either party is interested in a reunion. Then look into the International Soundex Reunion Registry ( isrr.org) at 888-886-ISRR.

Dear Annie: “Grateful Granny” wrote an open letter to the “other woman,” welcoming her to take on a number of unsavory traits her ex-husband displays. He sounds like a loser, but Granny may not be a total peach, either. Horrors! The “other woman” has to deal with his baldness. I don’t see how any woman could possibly continue to live with a bald man! That’s right up there with his drinking, pot smoking and chronic unemployment. And at 65, I have some issues with erectile dysfunction and prostate problems. Thank goodness my loving wife is not put off by my balding head and occasional ED problems. – Angry and Annoyed