In this emotionally charged episode, we join Candace and Wendy on their heartfelt journey to uncover their past and connect with their biological parents. With candor and vulnerability, they share the ups and downs of their adoption search, exploring the intricate threads that bridge two worlds and the profound impact it has had on their lives. Prepare to be moved by their remarkable quest for family and identity.
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.
Dive into the fascinating world of adoption and twinship with author Julie Ryan McGue in our latest episode, “Bridging Stories: Exploring the Tapestry of Adopted Lives.” Join Julie as she unfolds her remarkable journey of being adopted alongside her identical twin sister, navigating the complexities of family dynamics, and discovering the unexpected twists that make up the rich tapestry of her life. This insightful conversation sheds light on the emotional and identity-seeking aspects of adoption, offering a profound exploration of the interconnected threads that weave our unique stories. Tune in for an engaging narrative that resonates with the heart of the adopted experience. #AdoptionJourney #IdenticalTwins #PersonalNarrative #BridgingStories
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!”
