DNA surprises are often devastating to the people who uncover them, but imagine if the truth was a relief? Danielle grew up believing that her mother had four children by four different men, making all of her siblings half-siblings.

After taking a DNA test, Danielle learned that she actually shared a father with her younger sister. This news was more than welcomed by Danielle, who had fond memories of who she thought was a step-father.

She shares how this information affected her and how she’s building a relationship with her biological father through a different lens.

While Danielle has wondered what her life would have been like if she’d always known the truth, her overall attitude about he DNA surprise is one of positivity and silver linings.

Thank you for sharing your story, Danielle.

CONTENT WARNING: In this episode, there is some discussion of childhood sexual abuse that Danielle’s raised father perpetrated against her. Please take that into account before listening.

At the end of every DNA Surprises episode, I ask my guests two questions. I ask for advice for people in our community, and I ask for advice for parents keeping a DNA surprise from their child. Time and time again, guests implore parents to tell the truth. But when is the right time to tell? And are the ramifications different than when a DNA surprise is uncovered with a DNA test?

In this week’s episode, Meaghan shares how one day, her parents took for a long walk and revealed the truth - her dad is not biologically related to her. She then shares the fallout from that - connecting with new family members while balancing the fact that her biological father is not a safe person. Meaghan also shares how her DNA surprise led to her to create a book for people who have had similar experiences. I’ll be sure to share that when it’s available.

Thank you for sharing your story, Meaghan.

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Find Meaghan at:

IG: you_belong_here_recovery_book

meaghancarriere.com

meaghancarriere.substack.com

Hindsight is 20/20. After experiencing a DNA surprise, it’s easy to look back at moments throughout our childhoods and realize that the truth was there all along. Growing up in Indiana, Brittany always felt like an outsider. Her parents were divorced, and when she asked her dad if she could go live with him, he revealed that he wasn’t her biological father, which her mother denied.

Years later, Brittany took DNA test, which revealed that her lifelong father was not her biological father. In this episode, Brittany shares how the revelation rocked her sense of identity and her lifelong relationships. She also discusses how she’s connected with her newfound family and found a sense of belonging.

Thank you for sharing your story, Brittany.

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