DNA Surprises

I listen to podcasts as I make long drives. Today is my appointment to finalize the estate of my dad. I was 64 when I found him, and 65 when I lost him forever. I am thrilled that Deanna is about 1/2 my age when she found her family. She has hope of getting to know her dad. She got to meet her grandmother, and cousins. I heard her pain. Like her, I had a rough childhood. Darn, I never thought of a boarding school. For me it was the magic of summer camp that kept me sane. How did 7 days just once a year save me? We create mental shields to protect us until we can escape abuse. I once thought I was the only one. Then I found out my baby brother had a different father. Then talking with friends, many have revealed similar stories. There are millions of us. I’ve joined an NPE group. Strangers connected by empathy.

This is a safe space for those who, through a DNA test, find out that their birth father is not who they thought he was. Understandably, it is a terrible shock but sometimes the worst is yet to come when the reaction of the mother is denial and anger and/or the real father and his family reject the truth. The host of this podcast had her own DNA surprise and her understanding and the care she puts forth toward her guests is to be commended.

A gifted and talented interviewer, Alexis allows her guests to share their stories in a thoughtful and supportive way. Although everyone’s story is unique, Alexis’ podcast demonstrates universal truths about the importance of identity and how we come to know ourselves across the course of a lifetime. For all of Alexis’ guests and so many others, the search for identity took an unexpected turn, usually in adulthood, a time during which most of us feel secure in our identity. The guests who courageously share their stories and sometimes shocking experiences offer a gift to all in the NPE community and beyond.

Your podcast has been a lifeline, an inspiration, and an affirmation at various times when I needed it. Your gentle, yet direct questioning makes for honest and heartfelt interviews.