Imagine not knowing anything about where you come from, your ancestors, family history, traditions, nothing. For Julie Zimmerman, 14, it’s a reality. She is adopted at birth and knows nothing about her biological family. 

At the age of 10, Julie’s birth father tries to contact her because he wants a connection. Her parents feel as if she’s too young and don’t let the connection go any further.

Between the ages of 12 and 13 Julie and her birth mom start writing letters to each other. 

Last spring at a restaurant, Julie meets her birth mother for the first time with her dad. She barges into the restaurant. The room feels as hot as Texas. At first, they don’t really know what to say to each other, so they begin with basic small talk.  As the conversation continues Julie finds out many commonalities between herself and her birth mother. Julie’s bio-mom went to school for nursing and Julie wants to become a nurse.  They both play the violin. Her birth mom was a vegetarian, just like Julie. She also learns the reason she was given up was because her birth mom felt too young to take care of her. 

 “But walking into the restaurant I didn’t see a stranger.”

About a month ago, Julie and her birth father start Facetiming because of covid they aren’t able to meet face to face. The meeting was both nerve wracking and exciting. During one of the calls she learns that her birth dad didn’t want to give her up for adoption. 

After meeting both of her birth parents, Julie drowns in excitement. She has an instant and natural connection with them both. 

“Meeting my birth parents feels like all the pieces falling into place. It’s everything I hoped for, I just had to wait.”