In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, host Emily and Gene Trowbridge speaks with Thomas Mason about his adoption story. Thomas shares his experiences growing up adopted, the curiosity he had about his biological family, and the impact of adoption on his identity. He discusses the challenges of not having a medical history and how he navigated his teenage years with the knowledge of being adopted.

The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of connecting with biological family members and the reflections on nature versus nurture. In this episode, the conversation delves into the complexities of adoption, exploring themes of identity, curiosity about biological families, and the dynamics within adoptive families.

Thomas shares personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's background and the impact of adoption on personal identity. They also discuss the significance of creating awareness and support for adoptive families, highlighting the need for open conversations and shared experiences.

• Thomas was adopted at birth and always knew about it.
• He feels blessed to have been adopted into a loving family.
• Thomas's mother wrote letters to his biological mother for years without a response.
• Curiosity about his biological background was a recurring theme in his life.
• He experienced phases of wanting to know more about his origins and then not caring.
• Thomas's brother was excited about his arrival but faced challenges with the adjustment.
• He has a strong resemblance to his own children, which helped with his identity.
• The fear of rejection is a common theme among adoptees.
• Thomas's mother was very supportive of his curiosity about his biological family.
• The conversation highlights the complexities of identity for adopted individuals. Emily reflects on her curiosity about her biological parents.
• Thomas shares his experience of feeling different from his adoptive family.
• The importance of shared experiences in understanding family dynamics.
• Emily discusses the impact of birthdays on adoptees' feelings of belonging.
• Thomas acknowledges the curiosity that arises with having children.
• They stress the need for awareness and support for adoptive families.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted? podcast, hosts Emily, Gene and Kay Trowbridge discuss the complexities of Mother's Day from the perspective of adoptees. They explore the emotional challenges that many adoptees face on this day, contrasting their experiences with those of birth mothers. The conversation delves into the significance of biological and adoptive relationships, the societal influences on adoption narratives, and the concept of being 'chosen' in the context of adoption. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the adoption experience, particularly on Mother's Day.

• Many adoptees find Mother's Day to be a triggering holiday.
• The emotional impact of being adopted can vary greatly among individuals.
• Adoptees often have complex feelings about their biological and adoptive mothers.
• The societal narrative around adoption often overlooks the birth mother's perspective.
• Celebrating Mother's Day can be a challenge for those with adoption backgrounds.
• The act of giving a child up for adoption is often seen as selfless.
• Adoptees may feel a sense of rejection tied to their adoption experience.
• The relationship with adoptive parents can be deeply influential in an adoptee's life.
• Understanding the birth mother's experience can provide valuable insights into adoption.
• Intergenerational storytelling can help bridge gaps in understanding within adoptive families.

In this episode of the Hey, Am I Adopted podcast, hosts Gene and Emily Trowbridge discuss Emily and her husband David's journey into adoption. They explore the foster to adopt program they are entering, the personal motivations behind their decision, and the unique challenges and considerations that come with adopting older children. The conversation also touches on generational adoption stories within their family, the importance of family support, and the financial aspects of the adoption process. Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the emotional journey of adoption and the hope of creating a loving family for children in need.

• Emily and David are starting the adoption process in Utah.
• They are pursuing a foster to adopt program.
• Emily has always wanted to adopt older children.
• The foster situation allows for adjustment time.
• 50% of kids in foster care are not reunified with their families.
• Adoption can be a way to heal both the child and the parent.
• The process requires legal marriage and background checks.
• Family support is crucial in the adoption journey.
• Adoption can be financially burdensome.
• There is no perfect timing for starting a family through adoption.