When Johanne Michaud Duran gave up her newborn infant boy at age 15, she thought she may never see him again. Later in life, she made attempts to reach the child she named John.In 1992, she wrote a letter through a social worker, Nadine Behmke, but never heard back. Then, in 2008, after having a cerebral hemmorage, she made another attempt to contact her son, not wanting to die without getting to meet him. This time, her son, now named Ed Gammon III, responded.
They met for the first time on December 14, 2008.
"It took me 47 years, but I have my son with me," said Ms. Duran. "Over the years, he was always in my heart, especially on his birthday - January 22."
Mr. Gammon had been living on Celia Drive in Waterbury with his wife, Cheryl and dog, Sadie. When he first received a letter in 1992, he had decided not to respond because he didn't want to hurt his adoptive mother. His sister, also adopted, had recently made contact with her biological mother, and the adopted mother was not dealing with it well. So Mr. Gammon decided that it wasn't the right time to meet his own biological mother.
"Then, out of the blue, I received another letter and we met two days later," said Mr. Gammon. "As soon as I received the letter through the social worker, I was shell-shocked and happy. When I read her letter, it really touched my heart and I called the same day."
Ms. Duran said it was her persistance and the helpfulness of Ms. Behmke that led to the eventual meeting."We are so lucky for Nadine," said Ms. Duran.
When they met at the Dunkin Donuts on E. Main Street and Scott Road in Waterbury, Mr. Gammon recalls "shaking like a leaf." Ms. Duran said she was "dumbfounded."
"When our eyes met, we made an instant connection," said Ms. Duran.
Within a few months, Mr. Gammon and his wife and dog moved into his long-lost mother's Oakville home, due to "unforeseen circumstances."
"We get along great," said Mr. Gammon. "Not only is she my mom, but we are the best of friends."
Mr. Gammon said that his adoptive mother at first put "a good face on," even though she was " hurt and losing her adopted son." However, he said that when he had his adopted mother over to his biological mother's home for a barbecue, he took her aside.
"She told me she thought the world of Johanna and was happy for me," said Mr. Gammon. "I have two happy moms. I'm so blessed to have two beautiful mothers and I would never forget my adoptive mom."
