Acknowledgements

I wish to express my appreciation and indebtedness to the birthmothers who participated in this study. Many voiced their enthusiasm and noted the need for this research. Their courage in revealing their relinquishment trauma has motivated me throughout this study. May their voices be heard. Those who participated in the small group discussion were indeed co-researchers in this effort. Thank you Chris, Jarrett, and Terry for your contribution to this thesis.

I would also like to thank my first and second readers, Beth Culler and Ellen Abell. Their support provided an atmosphere in which I grew intellectually, academically, and personally. My graduate experience at Goddard College has been profoundly transformative. It is out of this experience that I found my voice and the courage to find my son and to undertake this project. Beth and Ellen are each remarkable educators to whom I am greatly indebted. They have left an indelible mark on my life.

I thank Heather Carlini, author and counselor, for reviewing the survey questions and encouraging me to do this study.

I am most grateful to my brother, Richard Corridon, and to Carmen Arjona for volunteering to process the survey data. Without their help, I would still be buried under reams of data. Thank you both. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.

Lastly, thanks must go to my family for their unfailing support and encouragement throughout this project and to my Goddard-found friends, Elena Papavero and Dianne Vock, with whom I have shared many anxieties, much joy and frequent laughter. Thank you all. -- Judy