Lee '81 Collaborates on Family Memoir

Shortly after defense engineer Brian Lee retired from the Army in 2003 his mother Ruth had open heart surgery to repair a heart valve.  During her recovery, Brian and Ruth discussed the possibility of requesting that her adoption file be unsealed so she might gain some knowledge of her birth parents along with medical history.  In March 2006 the search began and through legal proceedings they were able to obtain her adoption file from 1929.  In late June all 272 pages of the file were provided to Ruth.  After a short internet search, Brian was able to obtain enough contact information and a call to his grandmother was made.  Finally, 77 years and one day later, his mother (now 85) was able to talk to her birthmother Minka Disbrow (102) and they were reunited after what might be the longest known mother-daughter separation. Brian collaborated extensively on the writing of this story with cousin Cathy LaGrow, author of  the upcoming memoir  scheduled for national hardcover release from Tyndale House in May entitled The Waiting. Members of the family will appear on NBC’s Today Show and other media outlets.