Join Amy and Anna in this heartfelt episode of ‘Stories of Adoption’ as they share their extraordinary journey from Green Bay, Wisconsin, to the unexpected joys and challenges of open adoption. From navigating the complexities of biracial and bilingual dynamics to the miracles that unfolded, this episode explores the power of love, faith, and resilience. Listen in for a touching narrative that transcends borders, embracing the beauty of diverse family connections. Discover the strength of open hearts, triumphs, and the lasting impact of a bond forged through the unique tapestry of adoption. Tune in now for an inspiring tale of acceptance and the unwavering love that transcends biological ties. #AdoptionStories #FamilyLove #OpenAdoption
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She is Not the Victor!
Today makes 10 days
since the DNA test was sent in. It feels as slow as molasses.
This isn’t my first rodeo with waiting on a DNA test and one thing I have learned is that the only
way to stay half way sane is by immersing myself in activity.
It’s difficult to not
think about the results 24/7.
Lucky for me, I lead a pretty busy life all the time. There’s
always plenty of work beckoning me for my job as well as things at home and
school. We’ve been on a staycation this week but there has still been constant cooking, cleaning, and we’ve been doing some special projects. Since I have five book reviews due in the next 10 days for school, I’m pretty immersed
in that as well, When you’re in grad
school it doesn’t matter what else is happening — you just stick with it if you’re going to finish. Over the last few years, even if it’s been my most hectic work week, or I’ve been on the road for work, or someone has died, or anything really – school work has to go on if I’m going to succeed with it.
Livvy has been with us
this week and that has been good for me too. I’ve taken her swimming a few
times, and we went putt putt golfing. It’s easy to get taken up with anything
she’s involved in, as I treasure every moment with her.We went to a new Mediterranean restaurant in the area that was out of this world. She’s an extremely picky eater and even she loved it.
I’ve heard that Covid
19 has slowed down some of the results from getting in as fast with the various DNA companies but I’m hoping
that doesn’t happen.
If it’s a match, I have
so many plans I don’t even know where to start first!! (Except screaming with
glee.) I’m already planning a party, as well as a visit to Richmond.
If it’s not a match, I’ll
probably be numb about it for a day or two. Hopefully it’s not a day I have to preach but
if it is, it’ll be okay. I tend to do alright even in that case as I lean on
the Lord even more than I normally would. And that’s always a win!
I know I’m going to be
okay no matter the outcome. I’m just really, really tired of the same outcome
for 54 years. This has been going on for so long. I’m ready for victory over the not knowing.The not knowing is the worst.
When my bio mother
died, Michele, an adoptee friend who is a strong Christian, simply wrote five words on
my Facebook page, “She is not the victor!” That stuck with me.
Hundreds of people were
writing on my page, texting me, calling me when I posted that she had died. Most of
them were upset, not just that she died but because they realized that when she
died she took the secret to the grave with her. They all assumed (and they were right) that I
was feeling all hope was gone. If I had to characterize the main thing I felt, that was it. Hope was lost. Michele’s declaration was what I needed to hear
in that moment. It held me for the months following and it holds me now. Anytime I get really discouraged I think to myself, “She is NOT the victor!!”And I remind myself, I’m actually still alive.I’m still here. And I’m not giving up!”I remind myself that while she took the secret to the grave with her, that’s where she is — in a grave. I’m still walking the planet, and I’m still searching and I’ve got great people with me who are also committed to the search. I remind myself – IT’S NOT OVER. She doesn’t get to write the end of the story. And when I do get a DNA match, I may
even get a cake at Publix that says, “She is not the victor!”
Mental Torture and Not Knowing Who Your Bio Parent Is
Yesterday was three weeks since the DNA test was sent in to
Ancestry. My friend Regina and I have both been checking for results
about 30 times a day. I know the time given is 4-6 weeks, however some people have
been known to get results earlier. I just keep the Ancestry app open on my phone, next to me.
This is my week at school, and I’m in the classroom all day
long hearing lectures and engaging in class discussion. Yesterday our professor did a
magic trick with a quarter, as an illustration. His execution of this trick was stellar, and every student in our class was struggling with moving on to
the next topic without him telling us how he ‘magically’ moved the quarter from
one place to another. He dismissed our questions and went on to lecture about something else and someone
would raise their hand and ask about the quarter. This went on for a few hours.
We just wouldn’t let it go. The whole point of his illustration was that the curiosity would drive us crazy and we would keep asking about how he did it. And
it worked!
Once he had proved his point he said, “Curiosity is a sign of
intelligence. Wanting to know is a sign of intelligence.”
I instantly thought, “Hmmm…I must be pretty smart!!” (Bahahahaha!!)
Once he told us the point of this whole thing, which was staying curious and going after what we have a drive to find out, all I could think about is the fact that I believe it’s literal
mental torture (no, I am not exaggerating, I really do believe it is mental
torture) to not know who one or both of your biological parents are.
My professor sharing about curiosity and the drive to know validated something in
me where I was comforted that I’m not crazy. Although it’s threatened to drive me off a cliff at times, I’m normal. There is nothing wrong with me. It’s perfectly okay that I don’t want to let this go, that I
can’t just let this go.
Just like our class needed to know where that darn quarter
was, I need to know who my father is.
Ep 7. From Struggle to Strength: Winston’s Journey of Resilience 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.