Dear birth mom,

Today I am 21. Twenty-one years ago you gave birth to me. For reasons that are unknown to me, you made the decision to put me up for adoption. I’ve always had questions I wanted to ask you; not a lot of questions, but important ones.

How did you choose my name? My adopted parents named me Daniel Michael Pierce. Michael is my godfather’s name. I got my Korean name tattooed on my arm when I turned 18.

Why did you put me up for adoption? I like to think it was for my best interest, but sometimes I wonder if that isn’t the case. Do you ever think about me? Do you sometimes wonder how I’ve turned out? Do I have any other siblings? Who is my father? Were you in love?

I was adopted into a great family—three sisters and a brother, two loving parents, two dogs, and two cats. They’re the best and have been great role models my entire life.

I entertain the idea that you pray for me and think about me often, like I do about you. If you do in fact wonder whatever happened to your son, well, I made it to a loving family. I am healthy, smart, and handsome. I love Korean food.

I don’t have any resentment towards you for giving me up. I think it must’ve been hard, but I was lucky to find an A+ family and some aren’t as fortunate. If you sometimes lie awake and think about me, rest assured—I’ve turned out alright.

Thank you for giving me a chance at life.

Daniel, age 21