Born in Ontario, Canada in 1965, Bill Stewart always knew he was adopted. What he didn't understand until much later was how profoundly that separation and the abuse he experienced growing up would shape his identity, relationships and sense of belonging.

In this deeply thoughtful conversation, Bill reflects on growing up in a home where adoption couldn't be spoken about, surviving physical and emotional abuse, searching for his biological family before the internet, and navigating reunion with both of his parents. He speaks candidly about addiction, suicidal ideation, healing through nature, and the enduring impact of relinquishment throughout his life.

One image stays with you long after the conversation ends: Bill describes himself as a branch grafted onto a tree that never quite grew as it should. It is a powerful metaphor for his experience of adoption and one that many adopted people may recognise.

Before Bill's story begins, Jo also briefly explores Canada's history of forced adoption and the ongoing calls for a national apology and meaningful redress.

This episode contains discussion of child abuse, addiction and suicidal ideation that some listeners may find distressing.

Keywords: adoption, personal story, childhood trauma, identity, family, loss, resilience, Canada, search for roots, mental health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bill Stewart's Story

01:35 Growing Up Adopted: Early Experiences

06:17 Family Dynamics and Abuse

08:52 The Search for Biological Family

12:26 Meeting Biological Family: Expectations vs. Reality

14:31 Reflections on Identity and Belonging

17:52 The Impact of Adoption on Mental Health

20:51 Conclusion and Hope for the Future

22:17 NEWCHAPTER

For more information go to ⁠⁠http://www.jigsawqueensland.com/podcast⁠⁠

To be considered for interview on the podcast, fill in the prospective guest form you'll find on the podcast page of the website.

Your host is Dr Jo-Ann Sparrow - President of Jigsaw Queensland (⁠⁠www.jigsawqueensland.com⁠⁠)

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If you are looking for support and reside in Queensland, Australia, you can reach Jigsaw Queensland's ForcedAdoption Support Service on toll-free 1800 21 03 13, or you can call Jigsaw on 07 3358 6666. If you live in another state of Australia, you can still call the Forced Adoption Support Service in the state that you're calling from. In everyother state of Australia, Relationships Australia operates this service.

A big thank you to Matt Sparrow for composing and recording our original theme music.

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and the many lands that our clients nowlive on and we wish to acknowledge and show our respects to Elders past and present for their continuing connection to culture and the contributions they make to community. We acknowledge how much we have to learn from them and theirunique understanding of connection and adoption and their recognition that at the base of every change is truth telling and healing.