By Lydia (Sid) Johnston
Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone, but still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute, you didn’t grow under my heart but in it.
Fleur Conkling Heyliger
Julian and Jennie Sid were married after the war and in time learned they would not have biological children. They first opened their hearts and homes to adoption through Holy Family Adoption Services in 1950 and adopted my brother, David, in 1951. Then, in November 1953, they were approved for placement of another child.
I was born on December 11, 1953, and on February 4, 1954, I was placed with the Sid family for the customary conditional period of a year or more, after which my parents could file for legal adoption. I was legally adopted into my forever family on March 14, 1955. I keep my and my brother’s adoption documents close to my heart and am amazed by the detailed notes that the social workers took between the time I was born in December and the time I was placed in February. My children attest to the fact that I am still that person described in those papers!
For many years, our family often gathered with other HFS-adopted families for picnics and family events. I know my parents appreciated the support from Holy Family and the families we came to know. What
I remember most that it was as if my brother and I always knew that we were adopted, and that being adopted was special. It wasn’t a secret; it was just a part of our lives.
The power of my Mom and Dad’s decision to share their love has been a blessing beyond measure! Their decision to adopt, and the ripple effect of that love, is all around me with my own family, every day, every celebration, every family gathering. They are forever in our hearts.
Love’s ripple effect…from two loving people to a family of four to our family of twenty today!
Lydia’s submission is part of the 75 Stories for 75 Years, as HFS celebrates its 75th Anniversary! Check out the HFS website at HFS.org for more adoption stories!
