My Birth Son,11/08/1976 Greeneville Tn. was contacted by State. Decision?

Almost 3 years ago, I began the process of searching for my birthson, born on 11/08/1976 in Greeneville Tennessee. This was done through the State of Tennessee Dept of Human Services. After several applications and fees, I recieved some non-identifying information on the adoptive parents. The next step was for them to locate my adoptive son and request,for me, to have access to identifying information on him. December 2003 I recieved a letter from the state stating my birth son had denied me the access. Needless to say I was/am devistated. The letter also said I have a "right" to appeal and could then request access to adoption records,sealed records,sealed adoption records and post-adoption records.I would have to complete a sworn statement saying I would never attempt to make contact with him on my own. If I then wished contact,they would procede to contact him for this permission. When I recieved this information I felt it best to let the search go.Since he had denied me access to identifying information,why would he grant contact permission? My heart is breaking......................I am torn........I ache to resume my search,but I also feel the need to accept his decision...A part of me hopes he checks these forums and will see this......and will reconsider. Any thoughts from anyone on where to go from here would be appreciated.