Julie was born in Wichita, Kansas in 1968 at a Salvation Army home and was adopted 5 days later by a lovely family. She always knew she was adopted but it was not really talked about much other than to say she was “chosen” and very much wanted. The parents had a child of their own 8 years prior with special needs and they tried to get pregnant again but were unable to do so. Julie, however, was born with a very sensitive temperament. They adopted Julie not realizing the extent of their son’s problems. He had severe epilepsy as well as some cerebral palsy and had many seizures most days. So most of their
attention, of course, was placed on him. Although her parents loved her very much they were not emotionally equipped to help a sensitive, scared little girl with the constant trauma that happened with their son. No one was really ever there to help her and she buried all the fear, shame and trauma inside. She has struggled throughout her life with many things including identity issues, healthy attachment, anxiety, depression, poor self image and little self confidence. In her 50’s she finally came out of the fog and realized where most of her issues stemmed from. “Finding this podcast was so validating and I listen all the time. I’m so glad I finally found others Icould relate to.”
Julie found her birth mother in 1990 and shortly thereafter found out she had 2 full blooded sisters as well and has been in reunion ever since. It’s been a long journey for Julie but she hopes that things will continue to get better with therapy and self- compassion. Julie never married and didn’t have any children but has 2 dogs that are her world. Animals have always held a very special place in her heart. 💜