You can’t unring a bell. After a DNA surprise is uncovered, after contact is made with newfound relatives, what’s done is done. Which is why some people are hesitant to dig into the truth. You never know what’s waiting for you on the other side. In this week’s episode, Jeremy shares why he didn’t decide to take his test to confirm the identity of his biological father until his daughters Googled his family. After a tumultuous childhood fraught with instability and abuse, he couldn’t bear the thought of rejection.

Jeremy also reveals what happens when he finally decided to take that test and make contact with his paternal family.

Thank you for sharing your story, Jeremy.

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"It’s a scam!" That’s what some family members say after a DNA surprise is uncovered. "Those tests aren’t accurate." Or, if a long-lost relative reaches out, they’re surely after money. If you’ve listened to this podcast for any length of time, you know that’s not true, but it’s a common response. In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Melissa and Dan, who were both advised to be wary of each other after they connected. Dan was adopted as an infant, and after taking a test to find his biological parents, he found his sister, Melissa.

They share what those first conversations were like and how they’ve forged a special bond in the short time they’ve known each other.

Thank you for sharing your story, Dan and Melissa.

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DNA surprises by their very nature change the lens through which we view family. Our raise families, our newfound families. Things that seemed normal become less so. With hindsight, we gain clarity on what was there all along. In this week’s episode, Angeline shares how her daughter’s desire to take a DNA test fundamentally altered her understanding of her family dynamics. She shares what’s helped her navigate this experience, and how she balances living her truth and hiding it.

Thank you for sharing your story, Angeline.

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