I am a birth mother who has just been reunited with my daughter almost 43 years since that fateful day in November 1959 when she was lost to me.

I would like to tell the adoptees who wonder if they should search that they 'owe' their birth mother no more than the respect of letting her know they are alive and well.

To the adoptive mothers I would say let your child search for their mother with your blessing. Many years ago, her gift to you was her precious child, allowing you to experience motherhood. Is now not the time to return that gift, allowing her to experience a peace of mind?

It is distressing to read of the adoptees who choose to search late in life, feeling it is not their right while the adoptive mother lives.

For me, the first hug, seeing her beautiful smile and seeing my three daughters has given me that peace of mind that I had yearned for all these many tear filled years.

For the Jewish families reading this, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy and Healthy New Year.