In this episode, Gene Trowbridge shares his adoption journey and reflects on how being adopted has affected him. He discusses his early awareness of being adopted and the impact of the Mary Beth story, where a sibling was briefly brought into the family and then taken away. Gene shares his thoughts on loss and rejection as an adoptee and how it has shaped his perspective. He also talks about receiving his adoption papers at the age of 16 and his lack of interest in finding his biological father. In this conversation, Gene Trowbridge reflects on the influence of adoption on relationships, the desire for control and independence, and the impact of being adopted on career choices. He discusses the challenges and gratitude associated with being adopted, as well as the decision to adopt children. Gene also explores the importance of sharing adoption stories and the potential for creating a community of adoptees. He concludes by sharing his experience of finding his biological family and the lack of impact it had on his life.

Story Notes:

• Gene's Adoption Journey
• Feeling Different
• The Mary Beth Story
• Rebellion and Acceptance
• Impact of Trauma
• Desire to Find Biological Parents
• Revelation of Adoption Papers
• The Influence of Adoption on Relationships
• Curiosity about Biological Parents
• Leaving Home and Independence
• Feeling Grateful for Adoptive Parents
• The Impact of Adoption on Relationships
• Desire for Control and Independence
• Wondering about Life as a Non-Adopted Child