Wandering Tree ®, LLC Podcast Adoptee Lisa Ann

Have you ever pondered the threads of history of adoption and how it intertwines to shape lives? Rebecca Wellington joins us in a thought provoking conversation that reaches into the depths of her own adoption story, the heartache of losing her sister, and the impetus behind her touching book, "Who is a Worthy Mother? An Intimate History of Adoption." Through her eyes, we journey across the emotional landscape adoptees traverse, with societal pressures lurking like shadows along the path, and discover how shared stories can light the way for many in search of connection and understanding.

The episode unfurls the adoption narrative across time, from the ancient world's openness to the shrouded practices of today. We scrutinize the stark contrasts in history, from Hammurabi's Code to modern America, casting a light on the complexities and transformations of adoption ethics. Notably, we ponder the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings on the rights of adoptive and birth parents alike. Rebecca's analysis is both historic and timely, offering a window into the enduring search for identity that adoptees often face, amidst a culture shrouded in secrecy and stigma.


IG: _rebecca_wellington
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccawellington/
LinkTree: linktr.ee/rebeccawellington
Website: rebeccawellington.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccawelling10
Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.
#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

Sometimes the bonds of family and the fabric of our identities need mending, a truth that Joe Beth know all too well. On this episode of Wandering Tree Podcast, we hear their powerful journey through adoption, suicide and addiction. The conversation leads up down a path which involves unraveling the deep emotional complexities that come with Joe courageously sharing his story, from the trauma of being adopted from Japan to the solace he sought in substances; all painting a picture of the isolation and rejection he felt as an adoptee and minority. Beth, with the wisdom only a mother's heart can hold, reveals her side of their shared path — the awakening to her son's unique needs and the crucial steps taken to navigate the turbulence of his crises.

This dialogue is more than just a recounting of past struggles; it's a beacon of hope for those entangled in similar battles. Joe and Beth's raw conversation emphasizes the transformative power of vulnerability and open communication, spotlighting the potential for healing within adoptive families. By sharing their experiences, they not only reinforce the significance of acknowledging adoption trauma but also celebrate the resilience found in facing these challenges head-on.


Website: UnravelingAdoption.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/unravelingadoption/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/UnravelingAdoption/

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of identity, where the past and present collide in a mosaic of loss and discovery? Monica Hall's life is a living embodiment of such a crossroads, as she gracefully carries the dual mantle of being both an adoptee and a birth parent. In this episode, Monica recounts her story of growing up in a Catholic family in Alaska, the heart-wrenching decisions she faced as a teenager, and the complex journey of self-discovery that followed. Join us to unravel the intricate layers of Monica's identity as she opens up about her upcoming memoir and the challenges that led her to write it.
Her narrative doesn't shy away from the painful realities of her past, including the immense pressure of a young girl navigating an unplanned pregnancy within the confines of her religious upbringing. Listen closely as Monica reflects on her determination to hold her baby despite overwhelming opposition, and witness the transformation that unfolds from her darkest moments to a life-affirming reunion with her daughter after 18 years of separation.

Website: monicahall.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/monicahallauthor/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Monica.hall27

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

When Kira Omans opens up about her life as a transracial adoptee, you can't help but be drawn into her world. Her narrative is not just a story of adoption but a profound testament to the search for identity and belonging. In today's conversation, we navigate Kira's childhood and growth into a confident Chinese American, actress, and advocate for the adoptee community. Her candid reflections on the complexities of fitting in and the evolving nature of her relationship with her own adoption narrative give voice to the struggles and victories that color the experiences of countless others like her.

Our conversation takes a turn towards the broader cultural conversation, examining how adoptees are portrayed in media and public perception. Kira's insights into these portrayals and the often misunderstood motives behind adoptees' searches for biological connections challenge the oversimplified narratives perpetuated by society. This discussion is an invitation to consider the depth behind each adoptee's story and to appreciate the nuanced representation that authentic voices like Kira's can provide.

Perhaps most impactful is the chapter in which Kira and I explore the often-overlooked issue of pre-verbal trauma and its deep-seated effects on adoptees. Our intimate dialogue on abandonment fears, anxiety, and the journey towards healing challenges listeners to acknowledge and validate the emotional complexities that lay hidden beneath the surface of many adoption stories. This episode not only aims to shed light on these intricate emotions and behaviors but also serves as a call to action for advocacy, education, and adoption reform. 

Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kiraomans/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kira.omans
Website: https://www.kiraomans.com/actor

Have you ever felt like a piece of your identity was missing? Mary Ellen Gambuti joins us to weave the heartfelt narrative of her life as an adoptee from the baby scoop era, a time when societal pressures and moral expectations often forced the hand of birth parents. Her candid recollection begins with the harrowing tale of her abandonment at birth, her experience in a foundling home, and the eventual adoption by a military family—an upbringing that carved a unique background against the backdrop of growing up in the vibrant tapestry of multiple states and countries. 
As if life's puzzle wasn't complex enough, imagine grappling with the "primal wound"—the deep-seated trauma faced by adoptees from early separation. Mary Ellen bravely shares her internal struggle, reflecting on how this early rift sowed seeds of identity challenges and loss that lingered into her adult life. Adding another layer, we discuss the hero narrative of military families and how that shaped her emotions and understanding of gratitude, obligation, and belonging. Her insights serve as a beacon for the adoption community, illuminating the crucial need for specialized therapy and support systems.
Our conversation underscores the universal right for adoptees to access their adoption records—a vital piece in the puzzle of self-understanding. Her story, chronicled in "I Must Have Wandered: An Adopted Air Force Daughter Recalls," provides an intimate look into an adoptee's search for connection and the profound layers that shape a life story. 

Connect with Mary Ellen here: https://linktr.ee/SCMel
Check out her book:  https://a.co/d/0htiDkP
Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.
#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee 

When Ohio native Dana Ozak was brought home on her mother's birthday, little did she know that her life would unfold as a tale both profound and inspiring. Our latest Wandering Tree Podcast episode encapsulates Dana's journey as an adoptee, weaving through family dynamics, identity formation, and the ceaseless quest for belonging. Her narrative is not just her own but echoes the experiences of many who've grappled with the complexities of adoption—a story punctuated with familial pride and the inevitable curiosity about one's origins.

Settle in as we navigate the nuanced roles that birth order and adoption play in a family. Dana candidly recounts how being the eldest daughter influenced her position within her family and, more intriguingly, how it intersected with her identity as an adoptee. The emotional resonance of her quest to unravel her biological roots is palpable, especially when sealed records and the search for resemblance reveal heartrending truths and unexpected connections. Dana's discovery of her biological father's identity exemplifies a profound balancing act between the pull of nature and the shaping hands of nurture.

Our conversation culminates with Dana sharing the emotional whirlwind of reuniting with her biological family. The breakthroughs and the setbacks, including the bittersweet knowledge of a brother passed and siblings found, craft a narrative so rich that it becomes universally moving. We're honored Dana chose to share her story with us, and by doing so, she offers a beacon of hope and understanding for others navigating the emotional waters of adoption. Her courage in sharing her story is a testament to the strength found in the search for one's roots and the power of family, both given and chosen.

Website: https://girland4families.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/girland4families
FB: https://www.facebook.com/4awesomefamilies


Find your people, cherish your people and love your people.

#adoptee #adoptees #adopteevoices #adopteestories #adopteestrong #adoptionreality #adopteejourney #adoption #wanderingtreeadoptee