Jessica is a 1970 baby scoop-era adoptee, who started discovering her roots at age 50. After more than 80 years of closed records in NYS, she was able to obtain her original birth certificate in 2020. Two DNA tests and one secret after another uncovered a history of relinquishment, trauma, and family ties nearby of where she resides in upstate New York.  At 54, Jessica is learning to live her truth on her terms and allowing herself to heal from the lifelong effects of being adopted. A retired art teacher, she is running a thriving business and enjoying her life with her amazing sons and husband, all while continuing to uncover more pieces of her genetic puzzle.  To skip ahead to the interview go to timestamp: 12:06 Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood, by Gretchen Sisson RESOURCES for Adoptees S12F Helping Adoptees Gregory Luce and Adoptees Rights Law Joe Soll & other adoptee resources Fireside Adoptees Facebook Group Reckoning with the Primal Wound Documentary Hiraeth Hope & Healing Moses Farrow National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255 OR Dial or Text 988. NAMI Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email them at [email protected] If you want to support our show, visit our Patreon Page. Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly Zoom adoptee community.  Our Patrons:  Laura, Barbara, Ramona, Linda, Daphne, Denise, Michelle, Emily, Linda, John, Eric, Beth, Ron, Tony, Kristi,  Kristen, Jane, Kelley, Sandra, The Harpy, Kristan, Lisa,  Michelle, Jesper, Julie, Rivi, Robert,  Colleen, Janet, Robin, Lynn, Mikki, Sharon, Carol, Elizabeth, Diane, Ann, Darra, A.M., Kelly, Lyn, Lynn Wood, Jeff, Karla, Ellen,  Gayle Whitlock,  Dave, Kim, Simone, Liesl, Kelly, Sherry, and Barbara. Support the Show. To support the show - Patreon.