Today, I completed another successful search, successfully identifying and locating both the maternal and paternal sides of an adoptee’s family. What made this case particularly special was that I personally knew the adoptee, adding an exciting layer to the experience. Most cases aren’t quite as intense as this one, and I must admit that by the end of the assignment, I knew more about this family than some details about my own.

It’s always bittersweet to move on to the next case, much like finishing a captivating book and feeling the urge to see its movie adaptation because you’re too invested to let go. My heart is filled with joy knowing that I’ve helped someone uncover answers they’ve long sought. Today, I sent my final report, accompanied by this heartfelt thank-you note:

“At this point, I find myself experiencing what I like to call SAW—Search Angel Withdrawal. For the past few weeks, I felt as though I knew your family, on both sides, better than I know my own history. I’ll soon start to erase from my mind the names and birthdates I’ve memorized. You now possess a wealth of information, enough to potentially fill volumes of notebooks if you choose. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be part of this journey into your past. It is my true passion to help you piece together the fragments of your life puzzle.”