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Mom Reunites With Daughter 50 Years After Giving Her Up for Adoption: “My Heart Is Finally Whole”

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Not a day went by that Mary Beth DeSanto didn’t think about the baby she’d given up for adoption. She’d watch reunion shows, longing to find her daughter — and one day, after half a century, her dream came true!

“Who was that?” Mary Beth DeSanto asked her husband, Randy, as he closed their Erie, Pennsylvania, front door. “A registered letter for you,” he said.

Glancing at the return address, Mary Beth’s brow furrowed seeing the unfamiliar name. Victoria Rich, Brooklyn, NY. But when the 69-year-old opened the envelope, time slowed as the words swam before her eyes. I was born at the Lady of Victory Infant Home on August 20, 1970.

Shaking, Mary Beth sat down. “It’s Bridget…she’s found me,” she whispered.

Years of Longing

Mary Beth had been a senior in high school when she learned she was pregnant. Her boyfriend had made it clear she was on her own, and after a discussion with her parents, it was decided that Mary Beth would give the baby up for adoption. After graduation, she’d gone to stay at Our Lady of Victory Infant Home in Buffalo, New York, where she gave birth to a baby girl.

You can’t give her up! Mary Beth’s heart urged when they let her hold her baby. She had become attached to this tiny being — she’d even named her Bridget Lynne. But Mary Beth wanted her baby to have a family who could give her everything she deserved. So she tearfully kissed Bridget goodbye and let her go.

Mary Beth went on to have a good life, marrying Randy, and welcoming two sons. But there was always a lingering sadness… a longing to know Bridget was okay.

Despite her pain, Mary Beth never searched, fearful of upsetting the young woman’s life. She also worried what Bridget thought about her. She must think I’m horrible for abandoning her, Mary Beth grieved.

Still, as she’d watch her favorite TV show, Long Lost Family, seeing so many happy reunions, Mary Beth would think wistfully, I would love that to happen to me.

A Heart Healed

New York Adoptees Can Now Access Birth Certificates. The headline caught Victoria Rich’s attention one morning in January 2020. The successful 50-year-old photo editor had always been at peace about being adopted. Her parents, Joe and Terry, adored her and told her often how her biological mother had made a big sacrifice out of love for her. She had a happy childhood and went on to have a full life with her partner, Shawn.

About 10 years earlier, Victoria had read a book about young women who had given up children for adoption, and her heart ached when she learned they were often wracked with guilt and worry about their babies. She longed to let her birth mother know she had a good, happy life. But her records had been sealed.

Reading about the new law, Victoria immediately requested her birth certificate. “My birth name was Bridget Lynne,” she told Shawn. “My birth mother is Mary Beth Wolfe from Erie, Pennsylvania.”

Victoria began searching online. It took a bit of sleuthing since Mary Beth now had a different last name and wasn’t on social media. But, eventually, they tracked her down. Not sure how she would react, Victoria decided to write Mary Beth a letter, and included her phone number.

Ironically, Mary Beth had been watching Long Lost Family that morning last March when Victoria’s letter arrived. “I can’t believe this is really happening,” she gushed to Randy, picking up the phone.

“It’s Mary Beth,” she blurted. “I’m really glad you found me.” The story poured out — the pregnancy, her desire to give her baby the best life possible, the guilt. “I hope you’re not disappointed in me,” she said.

“Of course not! It was a selfless, gracious thing to do,” insisted Victoria.

They were anxious to meet but, due to the pandemic, had to wait several months. But last August, Victoria finally visited Mary Beth. Both were amazed at how alike they are, from appearance to mannerisms to their senses of humor.

“She’s so kind and open. The whole family is great. I hit the jackpot!” says Victoria. Mary Beth is just as proud of Victoria and will be forever grateful to her late parents for giving her a wonderful life.

Today, the two call and text and can’t wait to get together again. “I’ve got my happy ending, just like in the show,” says Mary Beth with a smile. “My heart is finally whole.”

Victoria and Mary Beth
Courtesy of Mary Beth DeSanto and Victoria Rich

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.

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