All I Know

Background Information for Glen Portela
Prepared by Melissa Abate, MSW
July, 2001

Below please find your non-identifying information.  This information
has
been taken from the agency records and has not been verified.  I hope
that
you find it answers some questions for you.

According to the social record, your birth mother was 21 years old at
the
time of your birth.  She was further described in the record as being a
petite, 5' tall young woman who normally weighed 100 pounds.  She had
blue
eyes, medium brown hair and appeared to be much younger than her 21
years.
Your birth mother was of the Protestant faith and of Irish and German
nationality.  Your birth mother was a high school graduate who had also
attended beautician school.  At the time of your birth, your birth
mother
was employed as a hairdresser.   According to the social record, your
birth
mother enjoyed all outdoor activities and was in good health.

Your birth mother shared the following information about her family with
her
social worker.  Your birth maternal grandmother (your birth mother's
mother)
was 44 years old at the time of your birth and of Irish ancestry.
According
to the social record, your birth mother's mother was in good health at
the
time of your birth and was employed in the delicatessen of the local
super
market.  Your birth maternal grandfather (your birth mother's father)
was 45
years old at the time of your birth and was employed in the business
field.
There was no further information in the record about your birth mother's

father.

Your birth mother shared that she was the eldest in her family and had
two
brothers and two sisters.    Her eldest brother was 20 years old at the
time
of your birth, was a high school graduate and was employed at the time
of
your birth.  Her next brother was 15 years old at the time of your birth
and
in the tenth grade.  Your birth mother's sisters were 14 and 13 years
old at
the time of your birth and were both in the eighth  grade.  Your birth
mother shared that she had a close relationship with her mother, but was

afraid to tell her mother of the pregnancy because she "did not want to
hurt
her mother".  Your birth mother also expressed her desire to keep the
pregnancy from her younger siblings who she felt looked up to her.
Ultimately, your birth mother did share the pregnancy with her parents
who
tried to be supportive of her.  Your birth mother shared that she felt
adoption was in your best interest as she would not be able to provide
for
you either financially or emotionally because she was living on her own
and
did not want to burden her family with a baby.

Your birth mother shared the following information about your birth
father
with her social worker.  Your birth father was described in the record
as
being a 21 years old, Caucasian, Protestant, Irish, young man who was a
high
school graduate employed in construction.  Physically your birth mother
described your birth father as being 5'10" tall, weighing 160 pounds
with
blue eyes and blonde hair.  Your birth parents attended high school
together, but did not know each other well until after high school.
Your
birth mother shared that they had gone on a few dates and she had not
seem
him for 6 months when she learned that she was pregnant.  Your birth
mother
felt strongly that she did not want your birth father to know of the
pregnancy and decided not to share it with him.  There is no further
information in the record about your birth father or his family.

You were born on January 2, 1970 at 9:43 pm after 5 hours and 53 minutes
of
labor.  At birth you weighed 5 pounds and 15 ounces and were 20" long.
You
were circumcised at the hospital on January 3, 1970 and discharged from
the
hospital on January 7, 1970 in good condition.  Your birth mother and
your
birth mother's mother accompanied you to the agency.  At this point your

birth mother asked many questions about your future and expressed
concern
that you be placed in your permanent home as quickly as possible.  Your
birth mother expressed pride in the fact that you were an attractive and

healthy baby and  expressed her desire that you grow up healthy and
happy.
Your birth mother shared that she hoped to return to work as soon as
possible as she felt it would be best if she kept busy.  Your birth
mother
struggled with her decision to place you in adoption but felt that you
should have two parents who could provide for you.

On January 30, 1970 you met your adoptive parents at the agency who
expressed immediately how beautiful you were.  You joined the Portela
family
on that day.

I hope that this answers some of your questions and I am available if
you
have any additional questions.  Please feel free to call me at
212-360-0237
with any questions.

If this is you feel free to contact.
Love ,
Glen