Born in Costa Rica and raised across continents, Jay grew up with pieces of a past he didn't fully understand—fragments of memories, photographs, names, and questions about where he came from. In this powerful episode of the A Act of Love Adoptions Podcast, Jay shares his deeply personal international adoption and adoptee story, as told through his debut book, Finding Tico. Separated from the person who knew the beginning of his story and brought into a new family and a new world, Jay spent years trying to understand his identity, adoption story, biological family, and sense of belonging. Eventually, he stopped running from the questions and began searching for answers. That search would take him across countries, through his own memories, and ultimately lead him to an incredible discovery: eleven siblings. Jay opens up about what it means to grow up adopted, the complicated emotions that can surround an adoptee's identity, searching for biological family, reconnecting with your roots, and discovering that finding where you came from can also be part of discovering who you are. We also talk about the parents Jay credits with saving his life twice, and the love and gratitude he carries for the family who raised him while still recognizing his need to understand the family and history he came from. Finding Tico is ultimately a story about adoption, identity, belonging, birth family, adoptive family, reunion, healing, and reclaiming pieces of your story that were once unknown. Whether you're an adoptee, birth parent, adoptive parent, prospective adoptive family, or adoption professional, Jay's story offers an important perspective on why an adoptee's questions about their past can matter throughout their lifetime. Join us for an honest conversation about what it means to be adopted, search for your roots, reconnect with biological family, and discover where you belong. Website: FindingTico.com If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more conversations that educate, inspire, and support the adoption community. Are you Pregnant? We can help: Text us at: 801-450-0094 Call us: 1-800-835-6360 Get more info: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/pregn... Are you considering adoption? Call us: 1-888-767-7740 Request a Free Application Packet: https://aactofloveadoptions.com/adopt... The A Act of Love Podcast is brought to you by A Act of Love Adoptions, a licensed Utah adoption agency with over 30 years of experience and more than 2,500 successful placements. Led by an adoptive mom, we provide compassionate adoption support for birth parents, adoptive families, and anyone exploring private adoption services. Learn more at aactofloveadoptions.com 📲 Follow us on Facebook & Instagram: @aactofloveadoptions
