Tamuna Museridze had long suspected she was adopted after discovering discrepancies in her documentation following the death of her adoptive mother in 2016. Her search escalated when she initiated a Facebook group called Vedzeb, or "I'm Searching," which aimed to connect others looking for lost family members. Through her investigative journalism, Tamuna stumbled upon a baby trafficking scandal in Georgia involving the illegal sale of newborns, compelling her to delve deeper into her own past.
The pivotal moment arrived during summer when she received a message from someone connected to her birth mother, identifying her mother as a woman who had given birth in Tbilisi in 1984—the timeframe matching Tamuna's birth. After contacting her birth mother, the reaction was harsh and dismissive, leaving Tamuna more determined than ever to uncover the truth. A DNA test confirmed that she was, in fact, cousins with a woman who could provide essential information.
With the name of her father, Gurgen Khorava, Tamuna quickly tracked him down on Facebook, only to learn he had been following her story as a journalist without knowing their connection. When they met, it was an emotional but calm experience, with both feeling an instant bond. Tamuna's newfound relatives welcomed her with open arms, celebrating the family ties while sharing stories and traditional cuisine.
However, as her search progressed, she longed to understand whether her adoption was part of the wider scandal of stolen children in Georgia. A meeting with her birth mother revealed the painful truth: rather than being stolen, Tamuna had been given up for adoption due to societal shame. This difficult conversation strained her relationship with her mother but solidified Tamuna's understanding of her own story.
Reflecting on her journey, Tamuna emphasized the importance of honesty regarding her adoption while celebrating the newfound connections with her biological family. Grateful for the revelations, she expressed that despite the emotional turmoil, she would embark on the quest again to uncover her family's past and solidify her identity.
