EEEKKKK!! Guess what!!

[Stitchfans]

I just got an email from a new show called What If? which will air on CBS. They claim they will search for, and find my birthmother or some birth family member if she isn't a live for free. Of course I would have to be on the show, which I am not crazy about, but to meet her I would have to agree. I am so excitied, but yet have such mixed emotions. Excitied, scared, worried that she would be upset over being found, and so no. More worried that I would discover she is no longer alive.

Not sure how I should be feeling right now. Weird huh?

Suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up too much. We'll see....

 

[Twinkles6892]

Wow! That's really exciting!

 

[Microcell]

How did they get your name? I am paranoid about stuff like that. Maybe someone is looking for you and they are finding you for someone else?

Good luck, stay safe.

 

[Stitchfans]

They said they saw my post on an adoption forum I joined. I never thought about safety because of my excitement of maybe finding her. Thanks

 

[Blondie]

I'm wondering how they got your name as well.

What do you plan on doing?

 

[Marseeya]

Good luck!

But please be careful. Keep your heart under lock and key if and when this takes place. I've been reunited with my birth family and it's hard enough when we don't have the world watching.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

good luck. I have a friend who helps locate birth families. should you decide yes.. I wish you a happy reunion.

 

[LadyBears]

They said they saw my post on an adoption forum I joined. I never thought about safety because of my excitement of maybe finding her. Thanks

I would be a bit skeptical... I am a member of MANY adoption forums & have been for years. I have never received any emails like that nor have I heard of anyone else receiving anything like that. Maybe if it was for a well known show - but for a show that hasn't been on before?? Just be careful with what kind of information you supply. They could just be phishing for info. The information you would provide will be more than enough info for someone to steal your identity! Is there a way you could research the show to be??

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Good luck on your search. I have helped friends search in the past - some endings are happy and some are not so please prepare yourself emotionally for either.

Also, please do not give out too much identifying information about yourself such as previous addresses, social security number, etc... and by NO MEANS give these people any money or credit card numbers or anything. A legitimate TV show can easily be traced. Ask for the name and phone number of the production company, the executive producer and find out exactly (down to the soundstage number on the studio lot) where this show is taped. Once you have this info in hand call the main CBS switchboard and ask for the "new programming" or "original programming" department then ask them if this show is legitimate and if this is indeed the correct info.

Good luck! If you have any questions about the TV side, let me know. I worked in television for years when I was younger.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I would be a bit skeptical... I am a member of MANY adoption forums & have been for years. I have never received any emails like that nor have I heard of anyone else receiving anything like that. Maybe if it was for a well known show - but for a show that hasn't been on before?? Just be careful with what kind of information you supply. They could just be phishing for info. The information you would provide will be more than enough info for someone to steal your identity! Is there a way you could research the show to be??

I thought the same thing! Be careful!

 

[Keli]

I'd be thinking twice about putting myself out there that way. I'm not sure I'd want one of the most emotionally wrenching moments of my life broadcast on tv for the public's viewing pleasure, ya know? And yet if it's your only real chance at finding your birth mom then I certainly can see the draw. Please be careful, you could get hurt here. And Good Luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[lewdyan1]

Google search brought up this link regarding this show.

http://news.genealogytoday.com/inbox/2005/what_if.html

What If... Reunions
Connecting People From Your Past
CBS is offering up a new reality series this fall that allows participants to step back to crucial crossroads in their lives... and to choose the road they didn't travel.

Ever wonder what happened to that high school sweetheart? First love? War buddy? Your birth parents? Your ex-spouse? The brand new CBS' reality show "What If..." is turning back the clock and allowing you to see what WOULD HAVE happened had you stayed with or in touch with these special people in your life. How would things be different? Will it match your imagination?

CBS is currently casting a reality show that reunites special people from your past and allows you to discover "what if". Reunite with your long lost companion(s) and experience what you've been missing! The show's investigative team will track these special someones down, and will set up for you a day-in-the-life of "what might have been". Will it live up to your memories and your imagination? Cast your hopes and fears aside; take this once-in-a-lifetime challenge and find out!

If you're interested in applying, visit the Allison Gradner Productions website at www.agproductions.net, e-mail your story to yourstory@aspla.tv or call their hotline at (877) 872-9151.

They're also looking to reunite biological parents in search of the child they put up for adoption, or an adopted child in search of his or her biological parents.

 

[Stitchfans]

Dyan: Thanks so much! At least we know it is legitimate. First thing that pops in my head though is how much of a "challenge" are they going to throw at me? I am well aware that my birthmother was living under very poor conditions. Are they going to play a game of can you survive living under the conditions she lived under for a day? I thought it was strictly a reunion show.

Yes, thank you everyone for your concern and advice. I am doing my best to mentally prepare myself for the worse or best thing that can happen.

As far as information all I gave them was my birthdate. Of course I told them a little about what I discovered about my birth mother like the year she was born how many siblings she has and were she was in that. For me personally that is all they have.

Who knows she may refuse to reunite. If I have siblings they may not know I exist and will be bitter finding out this way. Who knows? There sure is alot of What If's here.

 

[Sparx]

I think I saw a show like this once, the girl had to choose one guy out of three and one was her father. That might be something challenge like.
If you go through with it, make sure and tell us when it airs, so we can all watch!

 

[trappednabox]

I hope if you go through with it all goes well! & yeah, let us know so we can watch!! It can't be an easy choice to make, Just do what is right for you!

 

[chell]

Please keep us updated on what you decide.

 

[Stitchfans]

I will let you all know for sure if I am selected to be on the show. There's no way I'd be able to keep it to myself anyway.

I gave them information and permission to search so now it is wait and see time. I already spoke to one of my brothers and he supports me with my search. My other brother who also was adopted blasted me in the past when I told him I was searching so I have no plans of telling him about it.

In several hours we are going to my dad's so I can tell him in person. At first he told me he had no problem with the idea of me searching, but after a lot of researching I discovered her name and he got real angry. I guess it made the woman way "to real" I figure if I tell him face to face I will be able to assure him that it will not change our relationship in any way. He has been and will always to my DAD!!

He has always been there for me supporting me in everything I did. He truely is a wonderful, loving, wise man!

Wow like I said I have so many mixed emotions. Sure hope if this comes true I don't make a complete fool out of myself.

 

[trappednabox]

Just make sure you let him know no matter what he is your dad and you love him! It will make it alot easier for him to take, Good luck

 

[Stitchfans]

Now I am really confused. I went onto the adoption forum were CBS found my post about my birthmother. I started a thread there telling them about the offer from CBS. Two other posters said they also recieved the same email. The moderator and couple others told me I was wrong to even consider going on the show.

they said the reunion would be way to personal, and that they are only out to make money. they said they would control our every move and make it exactly how they want it to go. Also said that if my birthmother refused they would hound her to the point were she would never want to have contact with me.


Not sure if I should stop it. Only thing is I doubt I will ever be able to find her on my own. This way my chances are much better. More advice, comments, please!

 

[chell]

For now I say just go with the flow and see how things go if they choose to proceed with you. Up front make sure that if at anytime you feel like they are taking too much control or making it not what you want that you can walk away.