The Ties That Bind: Love, Loss and Adoption

Описание: Episode #02

In this heartfelt episode of "Moose on the Loose," I have the pleasure of bringing on someone very special to me—my sister Elaine. Right from the start, we reminisce about old childhood nicknames and the countless memories we've shared growing up together on Greenmount Road. Our playful teasing sets the stage for a deeper conversation on a topic close to our hearts: our experience of being adopted.

Elaine and I delved into the quirks of our family life, sharing stories that painted a vivid picture of our unique family dynamics and how they shaped us into who we are today. It wasn't long before Elaine, with her innate journalistic curiosity, brought up the moment that changed our understanding of our identity. She recounts finding our adoption documents in the attic, a discovery that led us to confront our feelings about adoption, identity, and where we belong.

One of the most poignant moments in our conversation came when I shared a letter from the adoption agency, revealing details about my birth mother's life and the circumstances surrounding my adoption. This was a moment of vulnerability for me, highlighting the complex emotions tied to being adopted—from curiosity about my origins to the pang of regret for not seeking out my birth mother sooner. In sharing my regret and the reasons behind it, I aimed to highlight the importance of seizing moments of connection before they slip away and the continued internal conflicts around meeting my living birth siblings.

Despite the occasional tear and laughter, this episode is more than just a casual chat; it is a deep dive into the themes of family, identity, and the search for connection. Elaine and I explore the idea that family isn't just about blood relations; it's about the bonds we choose to form and the people who stand by us through thick and thin.

Through "Moose on the Loose," my aim is to share not just my own story, but also to open up a conversation on adoption, to normalize it, and to address the stigma it often carries. This episode is a blend of humour and heartfelt moments, hopefully reminding us all that life's unexpected journeys are what make our stories unique. And at the end of the day, it's the love and support of family—whether by birth or by choice—that truly defines us.

00:00 - Introduction to "Moose on the Loose" Podcast
01:30 - Our Adoption Story
03:45 - Childhood Memories and Early Signs of Feeling Different
05:50 - Teenage Years: Struggles with Identity and Belonging
08:20 - Connecting Addiction with Adoption Trauma
11:35 - The Search for Birth Parents: A Journey of Hope and Heartache
14:50 - Paul's Reflections on Never Meeting His Birth Mother
17:30 - Understanding the Complex Emotions Around Adoption
20:15 - Confronting and Overcoming Addiction
22:40 - The Link Between Adoption and Mental Health Challenges
25:10 - Paul's Message: Removing the Stigma of Adoption
27:55 - The Importance of Support Systems for Adoptees
30:20 - Regrets, What-ifs, and Coping Mechanisms
32:45 - Closing Thoughts: Empathy and Understanding in Adoption

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Host: Paul Stenson
  / paulvstenson  

Guest: Elain Stenson
  / elainestenson  

Produced by White Moose Media in collaboration with Graco Studios.

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