Please come and sit awhile and I will tell you the story of my life.  It is about the Jewels I have collected along the way.  My life did not start out well at all, and there were many obstacles to overcome.   But I feel I have ended up very wealthy in respect to how my life has turned out. I went from Nobody's Child to Somebody's child.  

Janet & John Lener (Twins)


We were placed in The Children's Home by our biological mother, Mary Margaret Morris-Lener.  Photo taken in June of 1957.  She died a few days later.  It was her heart's desire to give us a good life that she could not provide. 
The Children's Home, 141 Oakland Avenue, Uniontown, Pennsylvania
4 years of age 

The first photo taken after my adoption with my twin brother, John.    My adoption took place on Christmas Eve 1958.  The center one is of my birth mother, Mary Margaret Morris-Lener and the other one is of my adopted mother, Alberta Raymond-Mancini.

Christmas Eve 1958, the day my adoption was finalized.  My twin brother John, Baptiste Mancini (DAd), Me.   This was the happiest day of my life.  Santa brought me a new Mommy and Daddy for Christmas.   I still believe in Santa. 

These were the very first jewels in my life.  My adopted parents, Baptiste and Alberta Raymond-Mancini.  They lead me to where I am today.  Thank you Dad and Mom, for all you did for me. 

Baptiste and Alberta Raymond-Mancini. My adopted parents. These were the very first Jewels that were in my life, that lead me to where I am today.

     When I started my research I did it by foot.  The only information I had found online was my birth father's date of death on the Social Security Death Index. http://www.deathindexes.com/ssdi.html   Remember there is always a paper trail for you to follow.  Sometimes you have to figure it out and if one way does not work try another way.  
​

References
​Here is a list of references that have been most helpful to me
Adoption Agencies, Orphanages and Maternity Homes  by Reg Niles. 
How To Find Almost Anyone, Anywhere by Norma Mott Tillman
Search, A Handbook for Adoptees and Birthparents, 3rd edition by Jayne Askin