Foundling: Stories from a transracial adoptee

Mary Francis Smith-that was the name I was given by the social workers who took custody of me after I was found abandoned in a laundromat in August 1970 in a small town outside Chicago. I now go by Kelly Diane Wagoner (Rost). I never thought I'd learn the great mystery of my life and I was ok with not knowing. I'd resolved that I would not know the circumstances surrounding my birth on this side of heaven. After all, I wasn't born in a hospital. I've enjoyed a blessed life and I figured, if this is something God has chosen not to reveal to me, I'm good. Not that life was always easy growing up a black child with white parents in a largely white environment. It was at times confusing and challenging, however, I'm grateful for the unique journey on which God has taken me. Kelly currently lives in Denver, CO and works as a marketing and communications professional. She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico along with her parents and two brothers who were also adopted. It was growing up in Albuquerque that cemented her love for New Mexico green chile and makes her a passionate advocate for the spicy vegetable, which she incorporates into many dishes. Kelly enjoys reading, listening to music, exercising outdoors, and a nightly bowl of ice cream. She is mom to two amazing young men-Zion and Zechariah.