The Disappointment of a Lack of Close DNA Matches

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

 I got this text today from Angela. (The person who DNA tested for me that I hope is my cousin.) As you can see, DNA results can come in at literally any second
now. I am a mix of excited and apprehensive. In my experience as an adoptee, this moment in time where you are waiting on a DNA result is so unique. In
one sense, I love this moment because hope is alive. Never do I have as much hope as when I’m waiting for those results. When results come back as not a match as has happened to me numerous times, I
do get the feeling for a while that hope is dashed on the rocks into a million
pieces. It’s that, “oh my God, we are back to square one…” sinking feeling.  In my experience when that happens, hope is slowly regained through the
encouragement of others.   

I am in a really good headspace right now regarding the
results. I can’t say that things have always been that way. There have been
times I have hoped against hope and known that if it wasn’t a match I was going
to be rather emotional about it for a while.  I am not sure why, but I am not
feeling that this time. Perhaps it’s because I’ve gone through this so many
times. Maybe it’s because I’ve gotten stronger emotionally. This isn’t to say
that it isn’t excruciating mentally or that adoptees shouldn’t take it hard when that happens. I
realize this is totally subjective as well. People handle things differently.

I’ve developed even more of the attitude that relinquishment,
adoption, sealed records, secondary rejection, failed reunion, and everything
surrounding it has already taken so much from my life and I don’t want it to
take any more from me.     

I want this to be a match more than I could ever
express. But if it’s not, it will not slay me. I’m done with being knocked down
and I am going to win. I don’t know exactly when I will win, but I know I will.