Featured Writing
Featured Writing is a curated collection of essays, reflections, poetry, and personal writing exploring identity, family separation, origin loss, hidden truths, genetic genealogy, unexpected DNA discoveries, and related lived experiences.
Each piece offers a unique perspective shaped by lived experience. Together, these writings invite reflection, deepen understanding, and foster connection through the power of storytelling.
Many of the pieces featured here were originally published by other publications and are shared by HH&H to help connect readers with lived-experience writing from across the broader community.
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After a DNA Surprise: 10 Things No One Wants to Hear
by B.K. Jackson
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: DNA Surprise • NPE • Identity • Hidden Truths • Family Discovery • Belonging -
Reflections and Revelations
by Kathleen Shea Kirstein
Originally published in Adoption Knowledge Affiliates
Topics: Adoption • Identity • Family Secrets • Self-Discovery • Records & Research • Reflection -
Two Names, One Infant
By Kathleen Shea Kirstein
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Adoption • Identity • LDA • Reflection • Self-Discovery • Truth
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Twenty Years
by Kathleen Shea Kirstein
Originally published in Adoption Knowledge Affiliates
Topics: LDA • NPE • Identity • Healing • Belonging • Reflection
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Living in the (DNA) Shadows
By Diane Turturro
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Donor Conception • Family Discovery • Identity • Reflection • Search • Truth
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Golden Hour Family
by Eve Sturges
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: NPE • Family Discovery • Reunion • Belonging • Genetic Mirroring • Reflection
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Explanation is Not Obligation
by Dennis Clark
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Boundaries • Identity • Privacy • Family Relationships • Self-Advocacy • Reflection
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Even on the Island, They Were Still Waiting
by Cindy McQuay
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Adoption • Belonging • Origin Loss • Rejection • Identity • Reflection -
Letting Go and Moving Forward
by Kathleen Kirstein
Originally published in Adoption Knowledge Affiliates
Topics: Acceptance • Healing • Identity • LDA • NPE • Reflection
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The Side Effect I Didn’t Expect
by Eve Sturges
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Creativity • Healing • Identity • NPE • Reflection • Resilience
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Late Discovery Adoption: The Awareness of Its Impact on My Life Is Never-Ending
by Kathleen Kirstein
Originally published in Adoption Knowledge Affiliates
Topics: Healing • Identity • LDA • NPE • Reflection • Trauma
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Maybe
by B.K. Jackson
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Abandonment • Family Secrets • Identity • Reflection • Unanswered Questions • Unknown Origins
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Break Something
by Karen Stinger
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Anger • Healing • Identity • Reflection • Reunion • Transformation
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Lies We Tell Ourselves
by Kathleen Shea Kirstein
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Adoption • Family Secrets • Identity • LDA • Reflection • Trust
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Dear Younger Self, Working Overtime at the Courthouse on a Saturday Afternoon
by Danna Schmidt
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Adoption • Identity • Records & Research • Reflection • Search • Self-Advocacy
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Animal Tale
by Lorah Gerald
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Adoption • Animals • Emotional Regulation • Healing • Reflection • Self-Soothing
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There Was a Secret
by Kathleen Shea Kirstein
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Family Secrets • Hidden Truths • Identity • Reflection • Truth • Unanswered Questions
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The Stuff Love Can’t Fix
by Liz DeBetta
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Adoption • Healing • Identity • Love • Reflection • Trauma
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In Search of Origin
by Dr. Liz DeBetta
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Adoption • Creativity • Healing • Identity • Reflection • Writing
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Blown Off Course
by Kathleen Shea Kirstein
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Adoption • Healing • Identity • LDA • Reflection • Trauma
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Love Letter to Fellow NPEs
by Lezlee Lijenberg
Originally published in Severance Magazine
Topics: Belonging • Community • Healing • Identity • NPE • Support
Many of the featured pieces above were originally published by Severance Magazine and are shared to help connect readers with thoughtful, lived-experience writing. We encourage readers to explore and support their publication for additional essays, poetry, and community storytelling.
If you have written a reflection, essay, poem, or personal story you would like us to consider featuring through Hiraeth Hope & Healing, we welcome you to reach out by email.
Continue Exploring
Featured Writing is one way to hear directly from lived experience. Continue exploring perspectives, education, and conversation throughout Hiraeth Hope & Healing.
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