Hi Dotsie, I haven't connected with my step-mother because I don't have any affinity for her. I am only curious as to whether or not she is alive. Have you heard of the term "toxic" relationship? To re-connect with her would only be to ensnare myself in a toxic relationship. I think that I would feel an inner prompting if it was right to connect with her. I don't feel so inclined. I do know of a long-lost aunt who still works in public records in the county where my step-mother lived last I knew. I emailed that aunt, telling her who I was, and never got a response. I figured that if it was meant to be, the pieces of the puzzle would more easily come into place. In 1994 I received a call from my step-mother. I was living in California at the time, she in New Jersey, and we had not spoken since we parted ways as described in the book, which was about 1974. My step-mother had contacted members of my family to find me, claiming that I had "come into money." I knew I hadn't "come into money" from my step-mother and/or my deceased father, but I called her as a courtesy. She had lied to members of my family to track me down. She admitted that she lied about the money just to get me to call. I don't have much interest in a woman who harasses others with lies to get my attention. I also see that she doesn't know me very well to think that I could be manipulated by a promise of money. It was a brief conversation, but it was enough for me to know I wanted nothing to do with her. I hope I've answered your interesting question. LLL