David, Adoptee:
Chosen and cherished
A sense of belonging within two families
Adopted at 10 days old, David grew up within a loving home and later reconnected with his genetic family. He now embraces his adoption story as a source of strength and healing. “Being open and honest about who you are, including your adoption, can make your life more real and fulfilling.”
One family’s shame is another’s pride
David was born in 1968 to two 16-year-olds living in Central Wisconsin. When his young birth mother’s pregnancy was discovered, her family kept it a secret, even from those closest to them. They sent her to St. Louis under the pretense of receiving polio-related surgery, a story told to protect the family’s reputation in a different time.
“Being open and honest about who you are, including your adoption, can make your life more real and fulfilling.”
Ten days after birth, David was adopted by loving parents, the family who would raise him with compassion, honesty, and pride in his origin story.
Adoption wasn’t something whispered about in David’s home. It was a celebrated part of the family’s identity. When he was nearly three, his younger sister joined the family through adoption, as well. They were always told they were “chosen,” something that he says made a big impact on him.
Overcoming challenging emotions
Even with such a supportive foundation, David later experienced some of the challenges common to many adoptees. He struggled with feelings of abandonment that lingered into adulthood. But he did the work, talking, sharing, and seeking therapy, and gradually came to understand and accept the complexities of his experience.
Questions, answers and a supportive network
In the early 1990s, David made the life-changing decision to meet his birth parents. They answered many of his once-unanswered questions. Though his birth father passed away in 2004, David found that forging a relationship with his birth mother and father brought him clarity and a new kind of joy. He also learned that he has three half-siblings.
“I have always been proud to share my adoption story. Here is a photo of my bio Mother (Margaret) and my Mom (Loretta).”
David continues to enjoy meaningful relationships with both his genetic and adoptive families. He is grateful for the support he receives from his entire extended network both genetic and adoptive alike. The connection he has built across both sides has created a sense of wholeness that only deepens his gratitude for the opportunity adoption gave him. “I have always been proud to share my adoption story.”