Madam, – I was born on March 22nd, 1951, at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin. I am told my mother was 25. Reader, if you or someone in your family had a baby girl on that date at this hospital, I may be your daughter. A week later, on March 29th, 1951, my mother left the hospital and brought me to an agency not far from the Rotunda, set up by the Catholic Church at the Pro Cathedral, and there I was placed with a Dublin couple.
My adoptive mother died when I was seven years old, my father when I was 11. There were five boys in the family, some were teenagers when I first arrived. On the death of my father, I took on the responsibility of caring for them. Just before I married in the 1970s, my eldest brother told me I was adopted. This was a great shock at the time, but I left it aside and got on with my new life.
Some time after my first child was born, I decided to begin searching for my natural mother. I couldn’t give it my full attention, given my other duties, but I did eventually receive some details from the agency.
I know my mother’s name, and that she lived for a period of two years (1949-1950 and 1950-1951) in the town of Oldcastle, Co Meath. She became pregnant during that time. Her age would have been 23- 24 when she was living there.
She went to a private nursing home at 119 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin, owned by a Ms Helen Hennessy. This home had been located at 43 Upper Leeson Street up to the late 1940s, when it moved to 119. At some stage it was also known as St Philomena’s. Women did have their babies there but, for some reason, my mother was taken to the Rotunda on March 18th, 1951 and I was born there. Research shows the nursing home closed in 1959. I have never been able to find any details about it, so if anyone has any information whatsoever, it would help enormously.
I have knocked on a great number of doors in my searching, and made many phone calls. Everyone was extremely interested and willing to help. Some have phoned me to inquire about my progress.
I am continuing my search, and I have a lot of support from family and friends. I will not give up, as I also ask the question from Isaiah 49:15 “Does a mother forget her baby, or a woman the child within her womb?”
I am hoping that, if my mother or someone who knows about me reads this, they will get in touch. I am a grandmother now. My children and grandchildren would love to know about my side of the family. My husband passed away two years ago. He always encouraged me to keep trying, I know he still does. When I began writing this, I got word that my only surviving brother of the five – the eldest, who had told me about my adoption – passed away. I have just returned from his funeral. This would seem like the end of the story, but I will carry on with my search for the truth.
If you, reader, are my mother, or if you know her, or her family, I would be glad to hear from you. All will be dealt with in strictest confidence. I know there are many who are searching as I am; I think of you, too, and wish you good news, soon. Remember, there is always hope. – Yours, etc,