My original 23 and Me test that showed my cousin on
the “X” chromosome was more than enough to identify my father, BUT we went
ahead and had a paternity test done. The results of that are in! And of course
we are a match.
I would do whatever I had to do to prove to the world that we
are legit, father and daughter! We already knew but this is for anyone else in
the world who needs to understand.
Everyone mentions how heartwarming mine and Gus’s story is. I
have had requests for interviews. The first one was with the Orlando Voyager
Magazine. They reached out for an interview just a few weeks into us meeting.
You can read the interview at this link. (Click Here!)
I’ve also done a podcast interview recently as well, with Living in the Light, with Dr. Kristi Lemley. She is a podcaster with the Charisma Podcast Network. You can listen to the episode at this link. (Click Here!) Our story is going around the world! And we’re just getting started.
Gus and I have had several visits now and we talk all the
time. I have friends who Facetime us and I am so grateful for it.
God has provided everything for us. We are living out a God-story and the best is yet to come!
Gus and I already knew 100% that we are father and daughter.
We matched on 23 and Me with his nephew, and then we had a paternity test done
through a home kit. Plus, he remembers the relationship with my mother, and all
of that. Not to mention, I look just like him! But…
I want to have it done completely LEGAL, and something that
would literally stand up in a court of law. (Not that we will ever need that,
but I just wanted to have it.) After all the many years of searching for him,
and the blood, sweat and tears, I’ve gone through…it’s way too much work and
means way too much not to make it 1000% official and have a third party, legal
DNA test done. There are legal DNA
companies that are mobile and will come to any location and I hired one to come
out and test us. Here’s a picture of the lab technician doing Gus’s part of the test.
Now it’s legal schmegal, forever and ever and ever and ever
AMEN!!
Woot woot!!!
It has been ten months (310 days from today, to be exact) since I found my bio father Gus, and
reunited with him. And in those ten months I’ve learned many things too
numerous to list on one blog post. But today, here’s the one I will focus on.
The entire freaking world is obsessed with adoptive parents. Nothing has changed. And
before you say, “It’s just the Christian world, not the whole world…” you’re wrong. I
promise you on a stack of Bibles, it is THE WHOLE WORLD.
My story hit the news media without me even trying. The extent
of my “try” was writing Facebook posts about my father and I to my friends
(that were set to public) and made their way into the hands of the media. I was
fine with that, and actually honored. However, it has not been without
frustration.
One of my biggest headaches in this season has been navigating
media inquiries regarding my adoptive parents. One hundred percent of the time,
when any media outlet has contacted me, they have wanted to go there. Sometimes
literally! One media outlet requested to send a crew to interview both my
parents. I said no, that I would refuse to do the interview, if they did. They
backed down once I set that boundary.
One news outlet said that if they did not include my parents
in the story, their readers would, “not be able to handle it.” I pushed back on
this and was told that they (the media) would be bombarded with emails and
calls asking about my parents. I said, “So???” They said, “Well, you might be
bombarded with questions about them, too.” And I said, “And you don’t think I’m
used to that?” I set a boundary by saying, “If you need to contact my adoptive parents to do the article,
then I’m not your person and my story isn’t the one for you.”
Recently, I was interviewed by Haley Radke on the Adoptees
On podcast, and she said that she found the media coverage about my bio father
and I refreshing because it was centered on us, and not my adoptive parents. She noted that this is not typically the case. I
let her know that this was only because I fought for that, and set a strong boundary. If the media had their way, it would have been different.
I say all this to let you know…nothing has changed in this
regard. Nothing.
They still (even the liberal news media) focus on adoptive parents
first, birth parents second, and IF they focus on the adoptee it is third, but
many times we are not considered. The world is still very much adoptive parents centric.
I was assured multiple times that a story would be adoptee
centric, but in every single case, it was never exclusively so, as they
would push to include my adoptive parents in some regard.
Sadly an adoptee can be 56 years old, and they are still
asking to “check in” with our parents. And they wonder why we say we feel like
perpetual children?
I literally qualify to order off the freaking SENIORS MENU at
a restaurant now and people are STILL CHECKING IN WITH MY PARENTS.
How crazy is this?
Fortunately for me, I am not trying to get news coverage.
I can take it or leave it. Every person who has contacted me has been out of the blue and I have not
sought it. If they want to include my adoptive
parents in the piece, I can drop it and they can find someone else.
This just gets tiring. I really thought when I hit a certain
age, this would stop. But it appears you can technically be in your senior
years and people will insist on talking to Mommy and Daddy.
And nobody but us thinks this is bizarre?
In this compelling episode of “From Heartache to Happiness: Andrew Zetterholm’s Second Chance at Adoption,” join us as we delve into Andrew’s remarkable journey through the highs and lows of the adoption process. Experience the heartbreak and disappointment of his initial attempt, which left him searching for a glimmer of hope. But just when it seemed all was lost, a phone call changed everything. Witness the transformative power of resilience and faith as Andrew’s unwavering determination leads him to a second chance at adoption.This emotionally charged story will tug at your heartstrings, reminding us all that sometimes, life’s most beautiful moments arise from the darkest of times.
Join us in the third episode of “Stories of Adoption” as we uncover the behind-the-scenes work of a reunion facilitator. Becky Davis, an expert in her field, sheds light on her role in bringing birth parents and adoptees together. She discusses the intricacies of her work, the challenges she faces, and the rewarding moments that come with witnessing reunions unfold.From managing expectations to addressing the emotional impact, this episode provides listeners with tips and guidance for a smoother and more meaningful reunion experience.If you want more content follow us on instagram @storiesofadoption and tell us your story or what kind of stories or tips you would like to hear.
Join Jason on a heartfelt journey as he explores the question: ‘Who do you seek or need more love from, your mother or your father?’ In this episode of ‘Jason’s Journey: Finding the Missing Piece of Love,’ he reflects on the profound impact of adoption and how it becomes an internal quest. Tune in for poignant insights and personal reflections on the power of love and identity.
This episode takes you on a heartfelt journey through Jonathan Engle’s remarkable adoption story and the intricately woven tapestry of family legacies. Join us as we delve into Jonathan’s profound connection to both his adoptive and biological families, exploring the challenges and triumphs he faced in embracing his dual heritage.Through captivating storytelling, we uncover Jonathan’s relentless pursuit to preserve and honor his diverse family legacies, as he strives to pass down their wisdom, values, and love to his own children. This podcast celebrates the power of unconditional love, resilience, and the enduring bond that transcends bloodlines. Discover how one man’s extraordinary journey redefines the meaning of family and echoes the timeless echoes of belonging, hope, and legacy for generations to come.
In this episode titled “Unveiling the Truth: Colby Wilcock’s Discovery,” our guest Colby Wilcock opens up about his life-changing revelation of being adopted. He shares his emotional journey of self-discovery, understanding his identity, and navigating the complexities of being a part of two different families. Join us as Colby candidly discusses the transformative power of embracing his adoption story and how it has shaped his sense of belonging and love.
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring journey of Winston Van Winson, whose life took an unexpected turn when he found solace and love in the care of two women who welcomed him as their own child. Discover how Winston’s transformation from a challenging family environment to a nurturing one showcases the power of love, acceptance, and the unbreakable bond that can form between individuals, regardless of conventional norms. Join us as we explore his story of resilience, highlighting the impact of chosen family and the strength it brings to those who support and uplift one another.
