Finding my place: Morgan Mercer’s reunion story
Words will never be enough in expressing my gratitude towards Link-Up (Qld), and what this exceptional organisation has done for me and my life. In allowing me the opportunity for a reunion, and facilitating an event that was instrumental in me subduing a demon that has haunted me since my early childhood, identity or lack of.
Originally, my reunion plan was to fly to Mt. Isa, then drive to Burketown in March, but due to flooding, the trip had to be postponed until November, which was fitting, as that would have been my adopting Mother’s birthday month, and it was her that had started me on my journey with Link-Up (Qld) in the first place.
Eight months of waiting, enough time to reflect on life, and the circumstances that have led me to this point. I found a certain peace within myself, that I thought that I would never have again, a renewed version of myself, or from an earlier copy, one that had let go of the resentment, anger, hurt, and the sense of futility that I had felt pre-puberty.
As the day drew closer, anxiety rose, as did the morose feeling of regret that had consumed me, regret that I would never be able to thank my mother for giving me life, regrets that I have missed the chance to find out the circumstance that led to my adoption, and the regret that I wasn’t there for either, my mother or my mum, as both had wanted what was best for me.
The six-hour-or-so drive between Mt Isa and Burketown was a real eye-opener for me as I saw how harsh, resilient, and beautiful this part of the country is. Adapting/adjusting to the environmental conditions made me feel humbled by having an association with it and eager to see and learn more.
The purpose of this trip, was to pay my respects to my biological mother (Elizabeth Grace Anderson), her husband (Thomas Michael Orcher [good bloke!]), and other family members buried at Moungibi Cemetery, Burketown.
As I stood there looking at the markers of my family, I could see that there is love from those that are still here and I wept uncontrollably, as I had found my place in all of it, and that I am part of something bigger than just myself.
My journey with Link-Up (Qld) has been for over ten years, and during that time, I have appeared in a book (35 Years, 35 Stories), participated in healing camps, a family reunion, and a gala dinner event that celebrated an outstanding organisation that goes above and beyond for those in it’s care.
I am not as broken as I first thought, only slightly bent. I am Morgan Mercer, I am Carl James Anderson, and I am Garawa!
Thanking you Link-Up (Qld) for being you.
Sincerely,
Morgs187.
Published July 2026.