0:01

Have you ever had one of

0:03

those moments where your life just

0:05

changed dramatically? Like.

0:07

Your life was suddenly divided into

0:10

two chapters before that moment, and

0:12

after that moment, Well,

0:16

that's the kind of moment Justin had. Justin.

0:20

Was adopted the day after he

0:22

was born. Three never knew his

0:24

birth mother. He was

0:26

adopted immediately into a loving family who

0:29

gave him a wonderful childhood in a

0:31

great start in life. He

0:34

always wondered about his birth mother. And

0:37

he searched and searched for her. And.

0:40

At the same time she was

0:42

wondering about him and hoping they

0:44

would eventually connect again. Then

0:48

they finally. Found each other, This

0:52

is the story of how that happened. In

0:55

part. Way through our conversation I

0:58

surprised Justin was something. I love

1:00

that part. This.

1:03

Is a flashback episode and just and

1:05

told the story here on the podcast

1:07

way back and episode number for a

1:09

lot has happened was just and since

1:12

then. And you'll hear him talk

1:14

all about that right after our conversation.

1:20

Real people in on

1:22

real situations. Very

1:26

a picture of a fire

1:28

appropriate for telephone wires. and

1:30

I call nine one one

1:32

set of elevated. I turn

1:34

around I see a gun pointed at me.

1:37

Close enough I could touch it. She

1:39

would hold on that ottawa all the

1:41

time. He levels the gun, pulls the

1:43

trigger, and I go down. Her

1:45

eyes were full of tears.

1:47

She didn't wanna leave us.

1:49

My haircut Fire! I swear yeah this

1:51

is this image has been I'm a hard for us my life.

1:56

I'm Scott Johnson and this

1:58

is what was that? My.

2:07

Before. We get into today's story you're about

2:09

to hear from a couple of our sponsors.

2:12

Sponsor: Play a big role in my being able

2:14

to bring you these amazing stories. But.

2:16

I completely understand that some listeners

2:18

will prefer to not here sponsor

2:20

messages and that's fine. If. That's

2:23

you. I invite you to consider

2:25

signing up for what was that

2:27

Like Plus to get ad free

2:29

episodes, bonus episodes, and a lot

2:31

more. You. Can do this

2:33

by going to what was that

2:36

like.com/plus. And when you're their

2:38

use the promo code plus to get

2:40

one free month. If. You're an

2:42

Apple listener. It's super easy. All you need

2:44

to do is click. Try Free right there

2:46

at the top of your feed. So.

2:49

Now a quick word from our sponsors followed

2:51

by today's what was that like story. Waiting

2:53

on a tax return and hopefully it ends

2:55

up in your hands. Fraudulent tax returns to

2:57

to Identity have increased by thirty percent and

2:59

twenty twenty three. If you're in a bind,

3:02

the taxis and life lock can help or

3:04

us based restoration specialists are experts dedicated to

3:06

helping solve your identity theft issues in law

3:08

like what plants are backed by the million

3:10

dollar protection package so will reimburse you up

3:13

to the limits of your plan. If you

3:15

lose money to the identity theft, help protect

3:17

your information is tax season with. Like block

3:19

and save up to twenty five percent

3:21

the first year and life lock.com/aware. You're.

3:25

Twenty six years old. And.

3:28

You just met for the first time.

3:30

A woman who gave you burst. How does

3:32

that feel? Ah, I

3:34

mean there's honestly really no one way to

3:36

describe how feels it. Ah, when it. When

3:39

I say that it's an emotion that I've

3:41

never experience, I've that I'm I'm not saying

3:43

that it, it's truly something that you have.

3:45

You have to be in that situation, understand

3:47

what that's like. And the one of the

3:49

things that makes a so interesting to me

3:51

is that you know. Most people

3:53

who he athena were were raised by their

3:55

adoptive pet god, their biological parents. It didn't

3:57

even think twice about, they just look at

3:59

them the another be a bit like a

4:01

up. that's mom. yeah whatever. I see her

4:04

everyday but. It's something that's so

4:06

secrets of people who are adopted because

4:08

they never knew that when it's it's

4:10

so crazy because it's so special to

4:12

me. But you know, like. As. It's

4:14

so com placed other to most people because

4:16

most people were raised by the biological parents.

4:19

And. So when I met her it was

4:21

like I was seeing everything that I wanted to

4:23

see my whole life. And. When I'm

4:25

you know when I looked at her face I

4:27

saw. The. Know bits and pieces of

4:29

my face my with the my my sister

4:31

say son, other people other members of my

4:33

family it was like. It

4:36

Was. It was unreal. because I mean, It.

4:38

Was like I said you know most people they

4:40

just over the past like yeah liquid my mama

4:42

whatever but. Before. When I did I

4:44

mean you're it it it in a move me it's

4:46

years because it's like. This. Is be that

4:48

this is my bloodline. This is why come from and

4:50

that's just that's. That. That so.

4:53

Incredible to to me to to witness bear

4:55

witness to that and to see were actually

4:57

come from as just unbelievable. The and we

5:00

you're right, we take it for granted norm

5:02

Most people take it for granted. Yeah and

5:04

it's it's it's always been yes some the

5:06

you don't think about you know it's because

5:08

mean this as if you're raised by Mrs

5:11

like. It's. A guess my mom

5:13

alone but it's nothing. it's of the new

5:15

but to me it's like that so com

5:17

and it's like it's just a whole world

5:19

opening up to me that I've never seen

5:21

before. I could write. That's awesome.

5:23

I to Blisters go back a little

5:26

bit and kind of get the backstory

5:28

on. How would lead up to

5:30

this? You. Were at what age

5:32

you were adopted as a baby? Is that

5:34

right? Yeah, I was adopted our when I

5:36

was about one day old Actually here. Wow

5:38

okay one day old. The and. Did.

5:41

You know why? What were the circumstances?

5:44

That. She decided to give you up

5:46

for adoption. Wall. On that's interesting

5:48

because I mean I knew or green or

5:50

growing up at one thing is I've I've

5:52

always known the number.of the I've been adopt

5:54

that's never been a secret and one of

5:56

the things that my mom always the my

5:58

adoptive mom always made served. In our the

6:00

I knew. Was. That are she

6:02

seems you never want to be a think that

6:05

you know Heather didn't want me, You know And

6:07

and I grew up knowing that. And

6:09

A When I finally met her she explained to me she

6:11

was like she's like ice is a Giving you a was

6:13

the most painful thing that I've ever done the my life.

6:16

And. It was. It was so

6:18

difficult as his. She told me it was

6:20

the longest drive home ever. After setting me

6:22

up and on. The. She said

6:24

the only reason he couldn't because she

6:26

wanted. She at at the at the

6:29

time in her life she wasn't able to

6:31

provide everything the she wanted to for me.

6:33

So as hard as a was she said

6:35

she would rather. Or let another family

6:37

raise me just so that I could have

6:39

those opportunities because she wasn't able to drive

6:41

new. Provide those for me

6:43

at the time and she wanted what was

6:45

best for me and she had to sacrifice

6:48

raising me just to give me that which

6:50

I think is beyond heroic. It's

6:52

all that would put what courage to make

6:54

a decision like that so difficult. Yeah, knowing

6:57

that it's the right decision? Yeah, that's the

6:59

thing. And a the it's a it's a

7:01

mountain. This decision to me it's act. I

7:03

can't even imagine the mean. Just.

7:06

Skip just not to Seo passing on raising

7:08

the just so that I can have what

7:10

she wanted me to have. That's just. As.

7:13

Mind blowing to me than it

7:16

sounds like it sounds like Cnd

7:18

your adoptive mommy? Yeah, Was.

7:21

Very much aware of that and wanted you

7:23

to understand yet as apps little was behind

7:25

their decision. Yeah see there was never seen,

7:27

Never wanted me to think that you know

7:29

of she didn't want me, I was an

7:31

accident that was never on the table. It

7:33

was always like you know see the only

7:36

reason that she didn't keep me was because

7:38

she wanted to make sure I the best

7:40

life that I could have. Do.

7:42

Durham or how old you were when she first told

7:44

you. Honestly, I really can't I

7:47

think I see if I had the ballpark

7:49

it I guess I was probably around maybe

7:51

five or south I know was like I

7:53

was kind of or on a record deal

7:56

which often can start understand that concept. So.

7:58

But I know it was. Told me as early

8:01

as possible see that what me she'd have more

8:03

me growing up in it being a surprise and

8:05

and I'll sit and that's where like the the

8:07

bad stigma attached to them. So like. You.

8:09

Nine as the funny thing is like in have

8:11

Grown Up when I would help you with i'm

8:13

adopted They'll be like all my calf so sorry

8:15

episode but it's like I don't really understand where

8:17

that with a stigma comes from is like know

8:19

it's files like. I like that I embrace that

8:21

about myself. And. Buy you

8:23

a with was never it was always a now

8:25

the of out in the up and thing that

8:28

have always known as i think that's how. That's.

8:30

How should be for any adopted child Out

8:32

the should ever be a secret and then

8:34

suddenly revealed at a later age, right? Yeah,

8:36

Soon as you're old enough to understand. Yeah,

8:38

As. It as a child. Is.

8:41

Interacting with other kids and your friends. Did

8:43

you ever have any sense of feeling different?

8:45

Actually, No I I'm a me for them

8:48

from most part of mean that the the

8:50

fact that was adopted never really collect stepped into

8:52

my everyday life especially like with kids and

8:54

stuff on I did heavy a really good

8:56

childhood friend eyes name is live we were

8:58

like we were the we were best friends

9:00

are one were really young and he was also

9:02

adopted and I think thousand the things that brought

9:04

us closer together as friends. And bed

9:07

and it was. It was really cool video we talked

9:09

about a line that was is really neat and he

9:11

was the only friend that I had that shared than

9:13

me but I think that's what brought us cause but.

9:16

No. I mean for the most part it was just

9:18

kind of some that I've told people as I first met

9:20

him and than that as mechanic him a special fact that

9:22

they knew about me So. Did. You

9:24

in the adoptive family growing up? Did you

9:26

have any siblings? And that family. Ah

9:29

yes I did. I had a a a

9:31

sister her name was broke and I see

9:33

when they adopted me she was twelve years

9:35

old and so are now. I believe she's.

9:38

Thirty. Six Thirty Six. Or Thirty seven Now.

9:40

And. I'm. Yeah see a

9:42

Caesar but I've only had one sister Natal

9:45

have had as he's always been much older

9:47

so I've never had you know, like I'm.

9:49

A. Sibling like close to my age as I

9:51

could. kinda like. I mean I've been friends and

9:53

my sister, but it's different when they're you know,

9:56

Twelve years older than you because you other this is

9:58

an age gap and you don't get. Long as well

10:00

somebody cause of your age. Right there

10:02

hanging out with other friends. exact than I

10:05

can am I was. talk about this your

10:07

search. Oh how did you were

10:09

before? Civil when you decided how old were

10:11

you when you decide you wanted to find.

10:14

Heather your your biological mom ah honestly if what

10:16

started out as colleagues something where our our our

10:18

see like you know yeah I'm not want to

10:20

find them when they because I know some people

10:22

do and I was like tv shows what I

10:24

can assess my nursing degree pretty cool but when

10:27

when I was younger i was or the adamant

10:29

about it but I was definitely up into the

10:31

idea. But. I kind

10:33

of probably around. Maybe

10:36

like. Who? well for like

10:38

twelve or thirteen were like a started.

10:40

really like using computers and south an

10:43

eye out by like a probably use

10:45

the web to. Be. Some searching

10:47

and so kind of fast forward over the

10:49

years. You know I would. I would go

10:51

on. these I kicks were I would just like going to these

10:53

deep searches and I would try to find. Ah

10:55

you know, like any kind of Heather's that wouldn't had

10:57

subvert the name. And. I've I had

11:00

set so many messages to so many Heather's

11:02

that I saw my be my mom and

11:04

so many of them were like oh no

11:06

I'm sorry but our best to lucky I

11:08

was a was your mom but. But.

11:11

I mean yeah, it's sister is it's

11:13

I've I've searched the lot and I'm.

11:16

I. Are out. The thing is

11:18

I don't think the my birth

11:20

records were still. Was he

11:22

is what? What kind of what kind of

11:25

made me a little bit helpless sometimes while

11:27

finding him is that it was a closed

11:29

adoption and very little information was exchanged between

11:31

the the option between the adoption agency. That.

11:33

Was one of the questions I wanted to

11:35

ask. What would information to do? Have to

11:37

start with? Oh yeah, I built by. Yeah.

11:40

So I had two things I had our

11:42

my biological or mother's named Heather. That's just

11:44

that's all I had. And. Then

11:46

I had a i knew that

11:48

my arm. My. Mother's

11:50

father was a preacher.

11:53

And. That's all I knew and all I knew

11:55

was the right that the general area they lived

11:57

in and it wasn't much to go off of

11:59

but. It says yeah, just a lot

12:01

of failed messages here and there, but I mean it's

12:03

it's been a long search for sure. I mean, it's

12:05

been a lot ever gone in this. This.

12:07

Night. Okay so so going

12:10

on the just based on that information,

12:12

how did you end up actually. Coming.

12:14

Across the details, the you needed to and

12:16

putting it all together. So. Basically

12:19

what happened was my i'm Sandy sent

12:21

me this link ah when I was

12:23

I am aware was a she said

12:25

to me but it was an article

12:27

ended have it was article about. A

12:30

preacher and I'm C C Sex and she

12:32

texted the links to mister the article to

12:34

so I think this my be i your

12:36

grandfather my well look into and i was

12:38

like oh okay well at school and it

12:40

was article from twenty fourteen. And it

12:42

was like some sort of event they were having. And

12:44

it was like a promotional article. A Fireman correctly? And.

12:47

Dumb. And. This event was

12:49

was here in Florida is a ring

12:51

Yes yeah we was here he up

12:53

and arm themselves like okay I like

12:55

so so I googled the name and

12:58

I'm I came across an obituary. Als.

13:00

Like. Ah, And us

13:02

how I am I Five ice I clicked

13:04

the link I I found it might it

13:07

was my grandpa. And he had passed

13:09

away. And the crazy thing? if he had passed

13:11

away about two weeks before I found all this.

13:13

So. I well I was. I was so close to meeting

13:15

in a mouse they can like is the sort of like. This.

13:18

Really helps with does he really die of like. What?

13:21

What kind of time? and his fifth am

13:23

I got? But I was mind blown. But

13:25

so I read the obituaries. And.

13:27

I looked at his wife and I looked

13:29

at the survived by section and then I

13:32

found. Than. It's it said I He

13:34

is survived by of this that and on

13:36

his daughter Heather. And. I was like

13:38

no way of like this is a like this

13:40

and this has to be a like this It

13:42

has to be the the first saw the lead

13:45

of had. You. Know and so much

13:47

coincidence. Their yeah, that's another thing I wasn't There's

13:49

no way that this is a coincidence of the

13:51

this has to be her. So I tried to

13:53

search her up on Facebook and Google. I still

13:56

kind of came up. Empty handed

13:58

with that. But. I searched. The name.

14:01

Are. No, I didn't. I searched or his

14:03

wife's name and then I found her

14:05

on facebook. And. Then after I found

14:07

her on facebook. I am. I was

14:09

like oh I compared her to the picture on

14:11

the obituary is he knows him and his wife

14:13

in the obituary. And. Ourselves: A:

14:15

oh yeah that's his wife so I us in

14:17

the face of Mrs to her which is you

14:20

know my grandma and dumb. And. I

14:22

said I. I. Said hey I'm

14:24

also government under just a more girls like

14:26

I'm Do have a daughter named Heather. And

14:28

I never got a response from her. but

14:30

I'm I looked at her friend's list and

14:32

then I was able to find Heather. On

14:35

her friends list and then I looked through and

14:37

I start crying all like this is Hurl is

14:39

my mother you know because I started seeing my

14:41

own features in her face and to see her

14:43

doing stuff and I was like this is. I.

14:46

Mean, it's just it's truly bizarre to

14:48

to witness that for the first time

14:50

ever when you've never have before. That's.

14:53

Gotta be you know the only thing I can compare it

14:55

to is. When. You buy a lottery

14:57

ticket and you're reading the numbers and it

14:59

says the you Just one Fifty Million dollars

15:02

Yeah, that's a given. It's almost like you're.

15:04

You're. Outside of your if is your own

15:06

body thinking is is this really happening yeah

15:08

A As exactly what I thought the like

15:11

the like this is actually happening as a

15:13

guy actually. For. I mean so many

15:15

people you know go on this chase that I've that that

15:17

is. So I go go on the safe that I've been

15:19

going on. And so many people come up

15:21

empty handed all the time. But Amina, I actually

15:23

found it in our as I found I found

15:25

the pot ago. The and Greenberg. you know me,

15:28

it's it's. It's it's so sought

15:30

after. Or net so when

15:32

you sound her on facebook. You.

15:35

Contacted her by sending

15:37

a facebook message yes.

15:40

And see reply to that Mrs. Can

15:42

you just read that? Back. And

15:44

forth Message: Six Years Between This

15:46

is between you and your biological

15:49

mom. Other? Yeah, Yes, Sir

15:51

Home, the media, Get. Lucky here it

15:53

is okay. Miss. Go the top or

15:55

messages here. And this happen this

15:57

was only like eight weeks ago the that the

15:59

sexually. What? Yeah, yeah. vivid this happened or like

16:01

at the tail end of May. So he I was.

16:03

It wasn't that long ago. it. In. Of

16:05

a here it is. Okay, so I said

16:08

I said hello Miss Davis Money and just

16:10

a marker. I was born in March eighth

16:12

and Eighty Ninety Two. Did. You give a

16:14

child up for adoption during that time. That I said,

16:16

I understand that there's a there's a chance that this

16:18

might be a sense of subject. And a

16:20

few days went by because I know, faceless. A little

16:22

finicky if you're not friends with somebody that you know

16:25

they won't get the message or whatever. And.

16:27

Then. One. Day ah I was

16:29

wrapping of the work. I am I gonna

16:31

forgive five o'clock As for thirty and I

16:33

going to face of notification. And then

16:35

I just I start shaking. I mean,

16:37

it's true and we will she says.

16:40

She. Says oh my gosh Just and yes,

16:42

Yes Yes! Are you my son And. That

16:45

was just I mean that of the had the like a

16:47

brick wall and she said that. She. Said I

16:49

have prayed that this day will come. When I saw

16:51

your birthday on the message I cannot even put into

16:53

words the joy that came over me. Are you in

16:55

Florida? And the mean talk about feel

16:58

like he won the lottery was like bats. and

17:00

for it there. Is. It

17:02

was Atoms. And then I saw

17:04

how did you respond to the. And. So I

17:06

said I said, i absolutely don't even have words

17:08

right now. Yes, I am definitely your son. I

17:11

said I am in Florida. I said

17:13

I'm currently staying. I'm I'm staying in

17:15

Lakeland for the summer because I have

17:17

an internship here. And I'm I

17:19

said I'd why said I wondered about you

17:21

my whole life and it's is indescribable. suffered

17:23

put a face. Or with a name that

17:25

oh, isn't that so much to me. A. Man

17:28

to that she replied. As

17:30

she said, our whole family is beyond thrilled the

17:32

you have found as you have no idea. Just.

17:35

And we live in Men On Town

17:37

Florida about a thirty minutes away from

17:40

where you are. I knew that your

17:42

adoptive parents lived in Florida at the

17:44

time. Of your birth but I didn't

17:46

know where. I'm so happy you are close. Got

17:48

as good. Do. Your parents know the you

17:50

reach out to me. we looked at you, we

17:52

looked at your photo on Facebook and there's no

17:54

doubt you are my biological son. So. Much

17:57

resemblance. You are such a handsome young man.

17:59

I'm. There you have a lot of questions which I

18:01

am happy to answer. We want to hear all about

18:03

your life. If. You are okay with that.

18:05

We would love to see over going on a chip Friday

18:08

but we'll be back. And does this

18:10

is our ask me like what I majored

18:12

in in college and and then it just

18:14

car like goes into some there but I'm

18:16

also what's going through your head as you

18:19

reading this for wealth on. A

18:21

So she sent me the message and then I I. I

18:24

was like of the olive is it respond right

18:26

away Else I started life as recalling my mom

18:28

circle my girl for him a sort of i

18:30

call everyone. And also this

18:32

is really happening and saw sitting in my

18:34

car when i when i have said the

18:37

reply. And. I mean my heart

18:39

was as by the jump out of much as I just

18:41

I still couldn't believe this. I mean it was a so

18:43

it didn't feel real is the thing as he didn't feel

18:45

if all goes in a dream or something. When.

18:51

The last time you took a ten dollar

18:53

bill, walked into your bathroom and flushed down

18:56

the toilet. Well for me it was about

18:58

three weeks ago. Okay, I didn't

19:00

literally send cash into the local sewer

19:02

system, but a might as well have

19:04

because I was paying for subscription that

19:06

I forgot about and wasn't even using

19:08

and the only way I knew about

19:10

it was because I signed up for

19:12

Rocket Money. Rocket. Money is

19:14

a personal finance app that

19:16

fines and cancels your unwanted

19:18

subscriptions. It monitors you're spending.

19:21

And it helps lower your bills so

19:23

you can grow your savings so you

19:25

can immediately see all of your subscriptions

19:27

listed right dear in one place. When.

19:29

I saw that list. There were things listed that

19:31

I didn't even know what they were. You.

19:33

Know what is your sign up for a free

19:35

trial and then you end up not using the

19:37

thing and you forget about it but you still

19:40

paying for it with rocket money. I just make

19:42

a few clicks and they cancelled for me. I

19:44

don't even have to make a phone call. Rocket.

19:47

Money has over five million users

19:49

and has saved a total of

19:51

five hundred million dollars in cancelled

19:53

subscriptions, saving members of the seven

19:55

hundred and forty dollars a year

19:57

when using all of the apps.

19:59

Features. Stop wasting money on things

20:01

you don't use. Cancel your unwanted

20:03

subscriptions by going to Rocket

20:06

money.com/what Was. That's

20:08

Rocket money.com/what Was. Rocket.

20:10

money.com/what Was.

20:13

This. Episode is sponsored by Better Help.

20:16

Here's. A what would you do question for

20:18

know on every day at five pm,

20:20

an hour goes by and it's still

20:23

five pm. For you get an extra

20:25

full hour and your day. What? Would

20:27

you do with the our free time. For

20:30

me to I start reading a book

20:32

I've been thinking about start learning a

20:34

new language. Chicken. With some people

20:36

even talk to one. Seemed. Like

20:38

everyone, wishes there was more time. The.

20:41

Question is time for what? How

20:43

do you prioritize. Or. Guess what?

20:45

Therapy can help you figure out what

20:47

really matters to you so you can

20:49

do more of those things. Talking.

20:52

With a professional therapist can help you

20:54

answer some of those internal questions and

20:56

that can empower you to actually be

20:59

the best version of yourself. You've.

21:01

Heard me and lot of my guess talking about

21:03

the benefits of therapy here on the podcast. And

21:06

maybe even thinking about checking it out. If

21:08

that's you and kills better Held a try.

21:10

You can do it from home in your

21:12

pajamas of your want because it's all on

21:15

line and you can fit it your specific

21:17

schedule. You. Just answer a few

21:19

questions, get matched with a licensed therapist, and

21:21

you're on your way. And. You

21:23

can even get started right now with a

21:25

discount. Learn to make time for what

21:27

makes you happy with better help. Is

21:30

it better? help.com flash what was today to

21:32

get ten percent off your first month. That's

21:35

better Help help.com

21:37

says what was.

21:40

As a podcast or there's nothing more

21:42

gratifying to being able to make a

21:44

difference in the lives of real people.

21:47

If. You like seeing that happen and

21:49

you enjoy True Crime podcast I

21:51

was show you're gonna love It's

21:53

called proof. If. You're the

21:55

first season of Proof. You know

21:57

exactly what I'm talking about. This

21:59

show is called hosted by Susan

22:02

Simpson of undisclosed. She's also an

22:04

attorney and just kinda. Davis of

22:06

Evil lives here. They. Created

22:08

season one by investigating the

22:10

story of two young men

22:12

in Georgia who were serving

22:14

life sentences for supposedly murdering

22:16

their friends. These. Men

22:19

had spent twenty five years in

22:21

prison. And. On December eight,

22:23

Twenty Twenty Two. Based on evidence

22:25

that was unearthed by Susan and

22:27

just kinda for the podcast, they

22:30

were released. Can. You imagine

22:32

being in prison for twenty five

22:34

years and then getting released because

22:36

of a podcast. And now

22:38

the second season of Proof called

22:41

Murder at the Warehouse is being

22:43

released. Susan. And just

22:45

cinder are digging into this new

22:47

case about Renee Ramos in Men

22:49

Teacher California. Her. Body was

22:51

found under a pile of debris

22:54

and her boyfriend and another men

22:56

were arrested and convicted. But.

22:58

Things don't seem to add up. Did.

23:00

Investigators actually ignored tips that

23:02

pointed to other suspects. To.

23:05

This be another case where an innocent

23:07

person has spent years locked up in

23:09

prison. It's. All going come out on

23:11

this new season. Fans of

23:13

true crime and investigative series won't

23:16

wanna miss this riveting new season.

23:18

Follow the case as Susan and

23:21

Just Cinder uncover long overlooked

23:23

evidence about what really happened to

23:25

Renee by listening to Prove Murder

23:27

at The Warehouse Wherever you

23:29

get your podcast. Oh,

23:35

I'm here to there. I mean I give a six

23:37

to talk about it, but I mean it's it's it.

23:39

It was just unbelievable how the I was actually talking

23:42

to her like this. The person he gave birth to

23:44

me twists years ago. Now I'm talking to them on

23:46

facebook messenger like if you told it's it's old me

23:48

I was gonna do that. If you told me how

23:51

can we do not Like a week ago I told

23:53

you, lost your mind. It right

23:55

right? Are you been sorted so long and

23:57

yet? and so many dead ends? Yeah I

23:59

have any. Well all of a sudden here

24:01

it is zero or is A. You guys

24:03

decided on. To meet. And.

24:06

Where did you? Where did you actually meet each

24:08

other? So. We are of as first

24:10

we were talking about like maybe meeting in a

24:12

park or maybe like at a restaurant or something

24:14

but. We. Ultimately came to the conclusion that

24:16

yeah, I'm at a restaurant might be a little

24:18

too loud and also I don't wanna cry in

24:21

the rest of us by robots, people, and them.

24:23

It. Was really really house or like apart my not

24:25

be the best idea. So.

24:27

I'm she was like us. Wishes: Are you more

24:30

than welcome to come to our house? And

24:32

I was like okay sir, a like we might as

24:34

well. And. So are we schedule

24:36

for that following Friday. And.

24:38

Then I'm me and my girlfriend travel up

24:41

to me a sandy and the town that

24:43

they ran. And. Ah, we stayed in a

24:45

hotel that night and we got up in the morning. and what

24:47

street the the house. And I'm.

24:50

A member. So I got out of the car. And

24:52

dark as and I told him that I

24:54

wanted that first moment to be. With.

24:57

With you know only me and her just because

24:59

that's what this is all about. An island not

25:01

at of selfishness, but you know it's I. I.

25:03

I felt like I had a right to that.

25:06

You know? I mean, I think everyone understands us.

25:08

Yeah, yeah, So. I did than

25:10

I walked up and they were recording me.

25:12

And I'm. They had a

25:14

i was walking into the door and.

25:17

I. Was of us knock on the door and I'm

25:19

of my hand to started shaking up. a fellow goes

25:21

start to lose control of everything. And

25:23

I as in I told myself, you know,

25:25

once this door opens, my life changes forever.

25:27

And. Guys just. Have

25:30

lots of pressure is perfect and I have

25:32

I feel like anybody in my position. Another

25:34

thing. another thing of the I was so

25:37

nervous leading up to this because. I

25:39

mean I knew I was in a disappointing but I that

25:41

it's just. I. Feel like anybody

25:43

in the situation has some sort of

25:46

pressure? To you know be what they

25:48

wanted you to be in on a mean even though

25:50

it's done because I know they would love me regardless.

25:52

High turnout but. The. So anyway, so I

25:54

knocked on the door and they opened. They opened

25:56

the door and then. Because my my mother

25:58

of and of the door and. It was her.

26:01

My. Dad, my two sisters, and my

26:03

Grandma were all there. And. They're

26:05

all in tears and it was like I

26:07

was looking into another dimension to that threshold.

26:09

And I mean to say i assume badges

26:12

were launched into my mom it's huggers tight

26:14

as I could and you know with obviously

26:16

we both just that we just we bought

26:18

says broke down and started sobbing. And

26:21

with sure everyone there was our every by

26:23

I mean it was just we were we

26:25

were to swim in into your super there

26:27

was ever waves, time. It's

26:30

overwhelming enough just to meet your mom.

26:32

Your. Actual birth mom for the first

26:34

time, but then to have. That

26:37

you just get a whole new family? Yeah,

26:39

that's the thing and I might. My family

26:41

has expanded a largely now and then. That's

26:43

what about when it was interesting things and.

26:45

One. Of the another cool thing that

26:47

I thought was amazing was the fact

26:49

that my of birth parents are still

26:51

together. You. And you know that

26:54

dancing thing is statistically because you know they

26:56

were young when they had me? And.

26:58

I'm statistically couples that go through

27:00

that usually don't stay together the

27:02

as the vast minority of them

27:04

to do. And. When

27:06

she told me a year later on their

27:09

face the conversation she told me that ah

27:11

she said year are she's She said i'm

27:13

still with your father non married to him.

27:15

And she said you have And then she

27:18

said you have to full blood biological sisters.

27:20

And then I mean the i felt like

27:22

I was flying is also occurs. And she

27:24

said one, I'm sixteen, one's nineteen. Hours.

27:27

A Here it's hitting me. although

27:29

that is nice because one that

27:31

something that I always. I.

27:33

Always thought it would play out that I would

27:35

meet them and the know. She remarried and they

27:37

I have media like a half sibling or something.

27:40

But. I. Mean it. It's

27:42

like everything's is untouched. You know

27:44

everything's exactly how was which is.

27:47

Proof. Trip if

27:49

if you put of scripted this it couldn't have

27:52

turned out any better than what you would have

27:54

wanted. Jan know truly and will. We talked about

27:56

that when we first met. after enough to we'd

27:58

stop crying and you know. Calm down and

28:00

sat down. We talked about how. This.

28:03

Was literally could not have gone the better. and

28:05

I'm so grateful for How Does because I've heard

28:07

lots of horror stories where. You. Know people

28:10

go to their biological parents and then it

28:12

turns out to be disastrous, you know? and

28:14

it ends up just scarring than the middle.

28:16

I can auto won't have any do with

28:18

you. are you know? I me

28:20

I feel like everyone kind of like worries are

28:22

just a little bit about that in the back

28:24

of their head when when during the search because

28:26

it's a very real possibility of air for that.

28:29

But. I'm just so the

28:31

so grateful that everything just.

28:34

Everything just worked out perfectly. A new sin.

28:37

And. Another thing that was really neat.

28:40

Was that my sister's. Grew

28:42

up knowing about me. Was.

28:44

I thought was so cool I wasn't surprised to

28:46

them. You know as soon as they can understand

28:48

things they told she told them that I the

28:50

that they had a brother. Their. They was

28:53

out there somewhere, but they knew they knew by my

28:55

whole life and so it was equally special to them

28:57

to meet me as a was for me to meet

28:59

them. As

29:01

powerful. Melt we you. It

29:04

once you've met them. Were. You

29:06

were you surprised by anything? Anything

29:08

unexpected? Ah, I don't think so.

29:10

I'm a good all. Kind of

29:12

felt natural to be honest. I

29:15

have. It

29:17

all just kind of felt natural because you

29:19

know when they're and at him immediately? We

29:21

just started like haven't conversation. And.

29:24

Ah, the conversation flowed really easily. There was

29:26

no awkward points. It. I just

29:28

saw a got along with them and I'm

29:30

another thing is I noticed like their mannerisms

29:32

are similar to mine was at. that was

29:35

really cool because I'm in they they are

29:37

me. You. Know and and I think that have

29:39

a lot to do with the fact that there was.

29:41

There were no awkward points. it was. It was a

29:43

very smooth transition and it was just it. Couldn't have

29:45

been the better. but there were. There were no surprises

29:47

for the most part. What? Were

29:50

some of the stories you wanted to share with

29:52

each other. Ah how guys

29:54

you that was one of the things that we talk

29:56

about are like like you know what's the big on

29:58

your life enough. What?

30:01

I don't think we we shared a lot

30:03

of stories at first but I do know

30:05

that are Sandy brought my baby book. And.

30:08

It has a nod like all these pictures

30:10

of me doing things throughout my childhood growing

30:12

up you know so that we can a

30:14

like looked as looked at pictures untold stories

30:16

what's going on those pictures. But.

30:18

I'll dig. isn't the a really big hitting stories are

30:20

I just told him that? You know. How.

30:23

I am with the high school and then

30:25

have curly in college in them a majoring

30:27

in graphic design. But.

30:29

I think that's that's really the only thing story

30:31

wise with as some but mostly which I just

30:33

talked about you know the photos accuse me doing

30:36

there's and ball on the neither are I would

30:38

elaborate on that. I possess your digital

30:40

childhood as he hasn't seen you guys and us

30:42

and I think that's what she was most interested

30:44

in because she wanted to see you know how

30:46

I was developing because she wasn't able to do

30:48

that in an inch inch. True for year it

30:50

was her whole life. She's as you always wonder

30:52

like what. You. Know when a what's he do

30:54

it every time march eighth roll around to be like and

30:56

what are what he's doing for his birthday? And

30:58

I was even a thing for their family. I remember

31:01

our. Or before my grandpa passed

31:03

away. He would say that

31:05

he was to the texture heather. And.

31:07

Will say you know it's March Eight You know when

31:09

or what he's I wonder what he's doing, I wonder

31:11

what he's up to now days. And and I was

31:14

always something. I was always present in their minds, which

31:16

is something that I really hold dear Know. What?

31:19

Are some it is there any particular

31:21

stories that see wanted you to know.

31:24

I'm tryna think I'm.

31:27

So. One of the stories that I know the she

31:29

wanted me to know was idol is really cool I

31:31

know this. My my grandfather actually

31:33

baptized me or when I was a day

31:36

old before. You know that before I had

31:38

to be separated with Heather. And

31:40

I thought that was really cool and that that's all.

31:42

That's another thing that a whole super close with. I

31:44

never knew that Lm. And. Ah, I.

31:47

Know that I'm Heather wanted me to be raised

31:49

in a Christian home and I was And I'm

31:51

and still Christened as day. And. I'm.

31:54

I saw that was beautiful. They did die and

31:56

is says it. Just it is your amplifies that

31:58

just how much they cared about me. And

32:00

how much of how much they didn't want? Let me go

32:02

And that just means the world. I

32:04

can imagine. Well.

32:08

Justin. Since we're talking about some things that

32:10

your birth mother. Wanted. To

32:12

tell you after all these years. I've.

32:15

Got something here for you to listen to? Okay,

32:18

It's a recorded message from someone and even

32:20

though you met this person only recently, you

32:22

might recognize her voice of her. Dear

32:27

Justin. As the

32:30

time of your birth, I so wanted to

32:32

be able to take you home and raise

32:34

you as I had fallen in love with

32:36

you during the nine months you were in

32:39

my belly. All

32:41

your kicks and movements were so exciting

32:43

to me and I love to talk.

32:45

To you and had such a

32:47

wonder of what you would look

32:49

like. He was such a blessing.

32:52

To. Me through those nine months. Although

32:55

there was never a doubt that by placing

32:57

you up for. Adoption was the right

33:00

choice for you. I did grieve

33:02

the loss of coming home without

33:04

you from the hospital. Our

33:07

whole family did. However,

33:10

I had such a piece that

33:12

God. Has had his hand

33:14

in there since the beginning. And

33:16

always felt like you were okay.

33:20

Every birthday that pass I

33:22

wondered, what does he look

33:24

like? What is his name?

33:26

What is he doing on

33:28

this special day? I

33:30

always hoped and prayed that some day

33:32

we would find each other. But

33:35

also it started to lose help

33:37

after so many years had passed.

33:39

And we had not connected. You.

33:42

Were always in my heart. As

33:44

well as your father's and your

33:46

grandparents. Who. Were there at your

33:49

birth as well. The. Time

33:51

I spent with you in the

33:53

hospital was priceless. And

33:55

painful. As I knew

33:57

that soon I would have to say

33:59

goodbye. And your new family. Will become

34:01

a to take you home. A

34:06

few months ago when I received.

34:10

Your. Text message. I

34:12

nearly fell out. Of my chair,

34:14

There are no words to explain

34:17

the complete euphoria I spelled when

34:19

I read your message. I

34:22

was almost frozen for about five

34:24

minutes and. Disbelief. This was

34:26

a dream come true. The

34:30

first time we met was so surreal,

34:32

I could not wrap my mind around

34:34

the fact that this precious baby that

34:36

I had given birth to and held

34:39

and say goodbye. To twenty six

34:41

years ago withstanding face to

34:43

face. With. Me Finally! Meet.

34:46

In your adoptive mother was so precious

34:49

to me as well. Here was this

34:51

wonderful woman who I entrusted your life

34:53

with. And who for filled every

34:56

promise about how she would raise you with

34:58

the time. I was pregnant.

35:00

I owe her everything. You

35:03

have grown into such an incredible

35:05

she and some smart and loving

35:07

young man. I could never be

35:09

more proud and thankful that I

35:12

was the one blessed. To

35:14

give your life. You

35:16

are and always will be precious to

35:18

us. And we have always loved Gm

35:20

more than you can ever conceived. Love.

35:23

Mom. Moon

35:30

go by even remember through back from

35:32

of. Jokes. We have

35:34

little to of use. Ago

35:38

of. It as

35:40

if so I'm is so. If

35:42

so, it's as good as a full

35:44

circle. A complete feeling to. Know.

35:47

That you know she. She's proud of me, and she's proud

35:49

to see what I've become in that. I'm

35:51

a lawsuit. There's nothing. It's usually the

35:53

ultimate accomplishment. You. Know sir, heard absurd

35:55

What to where I come from? You know my blood

35:58

to be proud of who I am. That's

36:00

just so fulfilling the first the you met.

36:02

How long did you talk? Oh

36:05

my gosh are we

36:08

sweethearts! Pretty. Much all

36:10

day I got there. I think it around

36:12

odd ten or eleven I believe. And.

36:14

Are we cry for about thirty minutes and

36:16

then we sat down. And ah,

36:19

then we just over. I remember I'm.

36:21

Sandy. Had the know the baby

36:23

bucks and arms. That. We look

36:25

through those and then of a nursing

36:27

that I thought was amazing was I

36:29

found out that Heather actually had a

36:31

baby book of her own. And.

36:34

I thought I was so cool because it

36:36

had pictures you know even though she only

36:38

happy for about twenty four hours she took

36:40

his many photos as many oh happy moments

36:42

as she could said as she could have

36:44

that and arm she had my the my

36:46

wrist strap from when i was an incident

36:48

in own she had that in there. And.

36:51

She had photos of her holding me

36:54

and stuff and desist. It's it.

36:56

Admit so much because you know it little time.

36:58

As she had she wanted to make the absolute

37:00

most of that twenty four hours because you as

37:02

far as she knew that would be the last

37:04

as you would ever seen me. And.

37:07

It was just I mean it made me cry, but

37:09

it made me smile. And to see

37:11

seeing those pictures. Geena, when I look at

37:13

those pictures as like those are now the

37:15

first vote those another early swathes of seat

37:17

of myself. I had a sense of origin

37:19

to see those. Out

37:24

consists. Sometimes I let my podcast playlist

37:26

get out of hand and I get

37:28

way behind. But. There's one show that

37:31

I subscribed to in any new episode. those

37:33

right to the top of the queue. That's.

37:35

The Jordan Harbinger Show. That's.

37:38

Because I never have to figure out okay

37:40

is this we're going to be interesting or

37:42

do we for the next one like a

37:44

do for some shows because Jordan's conversations are

37:46

always or must listen for me. He.

37:48

Tossed a fascinating people from any category

37:50

you can think of. Authors.

37:52

Scientists, athletes, you name it.

37:55

He's. Talked to undercover cops who posed

37:57

as mafia. And the actual

37:59

curry. The mafia hit men. And

38:02

the stories he gets. All these people Just

38:04

incredible. In one episode he talked a

38:06

Paul holes you might know their name if

38:08

you're into true crime. He's. The

38:10

former investigator who uses really

38:12

advanced methods to solve cold

38:14

cases including the Golden State

38:16

Killer. And. Another one

38:18

I really enjoyed was with Sam

38:21

Harris and author and neuroscientists who

38:23

promote skepticism and he doesn't mind

38:25

taking on some seriously controversial topics

38:28

like politics or religion. That one's

38:30

gonna make you think. whenever.

38:32

A new episode of the Jordan Harbinger show

38:35

pops up. I already know it's gonna be

38:37

an episode that I'll enjoy listening to, and

38:39

I'll bet you will to. For.

38:41

Some episode recommendations: Check out

38:43

Jordan harbinger.com/start or search for

38:45

the Jordan Harbinger show That

38:47

H A R B as

38:50

in Boy I N as

38:52

in Nancy G E R

38:54

on Apple podcasts, Spot A

38:56

Fi, or wherever you listen

38:58

to podcasts. Hey.

39:01

Do you have trouble sleeping? Then

39:04

maybe you should check out the Sleepy Podcast.

39:07

The show where I read old books and the public

39:09

domain to help you get to sleep. It

39:12

was the best of times. It. Was the worst

39:15

of. It was the

39:17

classic stories like a Tale of Two

39:19

Cities, pride and Prejudice, Winnie the Pooh,

39:21

Stories. That are great for adults and kids. For.

39:25

Years now sleep He has helped millions of

39:27

people get some much needed these start their

39:29

next day or fresh and discover old book

39:31

that they didn't know they love. So.

39:34

Where they have a tough time snoozing or

39:36

we just like a good bedtime story. Fluff

39:38

up the cool side your pillow and tune

39:40

into sleepy. Unless you're driving,

39:42

then please don't listen to sleepy. Finally,

39:46

be on Spotify or wherever you get

39:48

your podcasts. New. Episodes each week.

39:51

Sweet. Dreams. I'm.

40:03

Are we talked about three hours and then I'm

40:06

Sandy had to leave because or she had to

40:08

go to New York with my sister. They have

40:10

a good trip planned already so she had v

40:12

back or run from and they had catch a

40:15

plane but after that. Are

40:17

branding I stayed behind of we talked with them

40:19

more and more and.which is totally started talking about

40:21

like little things that you know normally you to

40:23

find out over the years naturally would start other

40:25

what you like. The hobby is

40:28

yo yo like spicy food up what's your favorite?

40:30

this which vivid that we start talking about all

40:32

kinds of stuff and. I remember. I.

40:34

Remember feeling why one particular

40:36

time when. It. Was of.

40:39

Mean Bob, my girlfriend Brandy and we were all

40:41

of us were to standing in the kitchen and

40:43

I just can I have this. Not

40:45

the sounds, it not the sun's exaggerating but collagen

40:47

like a sort of it and out of body

40:49

experience real quick because I like a kind of

40:52

felt disconnected from myself benign the bad way it

40:54

just. Like. This sense of

40:56

is this happening was so profound.

40:59

That. I honestly felt like I was

41:01

like what my eyes were wise were saying

41:03

I was watching on tv. It. Was

41:05

a slight because I I. I just still couldn't believe

41:07

it. I don't think my mind was. Was.

41:09

Truly wrapping around what was happening, that

41:12

if he was finally culminating after all

41:14

this time and I was. Allows

41:16

I was casually standing in a

41:18

kitchen talking with my biological family.

41:21

And. That. I'd. Never in a million

41:23

years of that would happen. But it was beautiful. Am.

41:26

Now when you are when you first born.

41:28

Did. Heather and Sandy. Meet

41:31

each other, Face. To face at that

41:33

time. I know they'd

41:35

actually never seen each other is what happened

41:37

was on. There was a we. They

41:40

the guy I got me through an

41:42

adoption agency and they had a I

41:44

member has or had to leave me

41:46

at the hospital and then that are

41:48

the i'm the adoption agency we know

41:50

one of the attorney they they can

41:52

we got me and then brought me

41:54

outside to to i'm you know Sandy

41:56

and my family in a broke. And

41:59

Subway of A The. Never met and are

42:01

one of the one of the most fascinating

42:03

points was are there was a photo of

42:05

the attorney carrying the out to Sandy. And

42:08

I'm. Heather or thought that was is

42:10

so cool and I did too because you know that

42:12

was the connecting point the she never got the see.

42:14

You know, because I mean that photo was taken

42:16

and maybe. You. Know twenty minutes

42:19

after she said goodbye and she got to see

42:21

you know what happened afterward. I my I can

42:23

imagine the closer the has to bring and so

42:25

now they've They've also met for the first time.

42:28

Yeah and I'm yeah when I see the

42:30

sandy how heather that was also crazy to

42:32

see you know I mean my er, my

42:34

adoptive and but logic mom like hugging or

42:36

like another thing I never thought would happen.

42:39

The. As out I was just crazy and they

42:41

are. They met and they of course you know

42:43

are. They both just sobbed and they hug each

42:45

other. Enough because I mean that

42:47

they're both so special, mean different ways. But

42:50

I mean it's a whole lot of good

42:52

crying going on in this whole situation. Yeah.

42:55

It was nice. I will

42:57

going forward. pat. How

42:59

many times have you met Sunset Initial meeting?

43:02

So. Are we met a sort of are

43:04

we meant for women are first time and then

43:07

we met on two times we met at time

43:09

after that and then I believe the summers that

43:11

was Father's Day. An hour like this? The

43:13

perfect opportunity because you know I am going to

43:15

get the spend my first father's day. You.

43:17

Know with when the biological dad and

43:19

arms because like elaborating on my dad

43:21

little bit. One of the cool things

43:24

about that was on my ah my

43:26

adoptive parents have been divorced since I

43:28

was about around. Her. And

43:30

ten years older. so. So. It's

43:32

it's. been a very very long time since

43:34

I I said the word daddy A call

43:36

from my dad. And all I just

43:38

i kind of like you know, growing up like

43:41

and team hood. You. Know like I taught myself.

43:43

You know, like how to save, how talk to girls, this and

43:45

and stuff. So. It was the

43:47

Ike. I kind of forgot what it was

43:49

like to have that father figure. So.

43:52

When a when I thought you know, when when I

43:54

met him you know we immediately hit it off. And

43:56

he's one of the things I loved so much as

43:58

that he is. He's Rob jokey, You know this. Lot

44:00

of reciprocity between us and. Were. Religious

44:02

I you know back and forth and joke around.

44:04

He's just really easy going and I mean honestly

44:06

I just see myself when I look at him

44:08

and that's what makes me so happy. I mean

44:10

I just at immediately there's a connection in I

44:12

have a lot in common with this guy. And

44:15

I know we're going to get along. And I

44:17

I mean I can't wait for the memories to

44:19

follow him. He sees get twenty six years of

44:21

corny dad jokes to catch up on exactly. Yeah,

44:25

exactly. That's that's that's for

44:27

sure to feel like you

44:29

really. Caught. On cool know

44:31

each other yet or these is it. Just

44:33

have a lot still left to explore. Honestly,

44:37

I think a little bit of both. I think

44:39

I'm. Cars. Will kind

44:41

of reminding arm I forgot to mention

44:43

this earlier, but I'm. Before.

44:45

I met them for the first time. Either

44:47

was like ice. You can like a lot as you like. I'd

44:50

have to talk to you on the phone. And.

44:52

I was like towards the goal boiled egg you know

44:54

nervous on the yeah absolutely I won't occur the wanna

44:56

hear a voice and of era was so nervous to

44:58

make a phone call because you on but to hear

45:00

her voice. And. The craziest

45:02

thing when as soon as she pick up the

45:05

phone, she said hello. A. I

45:07

know this sounds dumb and I know it by.

45:09

I swear her voice sounded familiar and I don't

45:11

know why but I feel like at hurt or

45:13

worse before and it it the I saw a

45:16

sense of comfort when I heard it. And

45:18

I'm not. I'm not sure it cause I know they say

45:20

you can. You know you can hear your mother's voice when

45:22

you in the womb. I'll know there was like some circuit

45:24

way way way back in the back of my head the

45:27

got lit up after all these years. but. I.

45:29

Just I felt like a new it. So going

45:31

as fast for i mean I've I felt like there

45:34

was an instant connection and I feel like I've learned

45:36

a ton about them. but at the same time one

45:38

of the be over things about it is I feel

45:40

like there's still so much. That. We have

45:42

less to learn about each other. He eyes

45:44

and that's what makes it so exciting. because there's

45:46

so much you know, uncharted territory. You know, we

45:49

don't know everything. so. And I think

45:51

that's amazing that you know. I'm. The or

45:53

as as time goes on your the more I

45:55

meet them. The. More opportunism. gonna have

45:57

to learn more about them and spend more

45:59

time with them and that's will make somebody.

46:01

What? What are your plans now form? Regularly.

46:04

Connecting with each other going into the future,

46:07

So as to right now I'm I

46:09

have one more semester. My college's about

46:11

seven hours away from where they live.

46:14

So. Right now I'm I'm I'm going to

46:16

go back to School of S my last semester

46:18

my college. And then I'm My

46:20

plan right now is to after I

46:22

graduate from there I want to see

46:24

if I can find a place close

46:26

to down here. Because. You know

46:28

I want to live like you know, somewhere near them so that

46:30

I can keep this up regularly. And on.

46:32

So after I graduate, I definite want to find

46:34

a place where they are accessible. You know where

46:37

they can? like? they can be a drive away

46:39

if I need my room. And

46:41

that you know I was thinking of when you go back to school.

46:44

If. If any of your classes have an

46:46

assignment, Write an essay What you did

46:48

this last summer. I. Think you're going to

46:50

have the guess organ all him with oh yeah I

46:52

know First and everything is every every person that I've

46:55

told the story to the they are like you're going

46:57

to render the summer for the rest your life. And

47:00

I was thinking kinda dumb flynn and go

47:02

on a cruise together. You

47:04

know yeah that would be pretty cool Be a

47:06

we I think I think we actually talked about

47:08

like a maybe like one on a vacation some

47:11

time I think that be really cool discount like

47:13

a family vacation having the be pretty cool. Another

47:15

thing was I'm. I. Thought was

47:17

so cool. Ah my I think this is

47:19

another crazy coincidence is Ah, she told me

47:21

that I have. I have an aunt and

47:24

uncle and you have some extended family that

47:26

live about an hour from where my college's.

47:28

So when I whenever I go back in the

47:30

on the next couple weeks to finish on my

47:33

last semester. I'm gonna go ah ahmet take

47:35

a few weekends ago like in our we Can Hear

47:37

and then I'm gonna go visit them and meet them

47:39

for the first time. And you know they're just

47:41

six. Yeah, they're just exists Barrett, They're

47:43

just as excited as everyone else. Mean, Like

47:46

I said, this whole thing has caused an

47:48

earthquake reaction on both sides. A

47:50

good earthquake. Yeah.

47:52

For Syria Via Is there anything any

47:54

aspect of the story that we haven't

47:56

talked about? The you want to talk

47:58

about. Oh. The i get sick

48:00

elaborate on my sister's little bit. So yeah

48:02

my sister's ah, they're just a cannot

48:05

elaborate on them. If. Some it's It's

48:07

also been out of the super cool to see them.

48:09

and because you know like I like a suitable for

48:11

you know I had a sister grown up. And.

48:14

I loved or years and we we go along but

48:16

she was Yoshi was much older than me so like

48:18

it was never really. Like you

48:20

get insanely busy. There's it's it's it's better to get

48:22

along with some of us closer to your age is

48:24

because you know you to the have. More.

48:26

Seven Com and a half of the node same

48:28

people kind of stuff and of i thought it

48:30

was so cold that I has issues that were

48:32

closer the my age and owls like all that's

48:34

awesome because we're going to get along great and

48:36

we do. And you now I

48:39

tax them every day and you know we we have

48:41

to the snap chat whenever we dislike you know chat

48:43

here and there and I would check up on each

48:45

other. And when we meet in person, when

48:47

we just talk and mean the conversational just get slow and

48:49

in the it I mean it's just. It

48:51

just it feel so naturally know this is. That's.

48:54

Just the the natural beauty of all

48:56

this is everything just feels absolutely. The

48:59

best they could be. If you're perfect you know I

49:01

just a get along so well with my sisters and

49:04

every by as well so. You. Know

49:06

just I know some people that are list new

49:08

this are. Are. People that have

49:10

been adopted, And. They haven't

49:12

found their biological. Mother or

49:15

father yet? And they're but they're looking

49:17

in there. They might be nervous or.

49:20

You. Know not sure how it's going to turn out. What would

49:22

you say to someone like that? Or.

49:25

I'm I'm really glad you asked me. I guess

49:27

I I do have a strong opinion on that

49:29

sort of thing. I think anybody who is who

49:31

wants to find out where they come from. I.

49:33

Know that. If. If you know

49:36

my my be scary going into a because this

49:38

this is a world that you'd you don't know

49:40

anything about and you know you could go anywhere

49:42

but. I think ultimately I think

49:44

it's best to go for it because honestly,

49:46

you, you never know what could be in

49:48

store. Absolutely. Yeah. I mean even even if

49:51

you know it it doesn't work out mean that

49:53

the very early so have closure for that you

49:55

know. I mean, it's just it's so

49:57

I. I think it's such an important thing.

50:00

The know where you come from and to

50:02

see you know your own blood and. You

50:04

know that people when you look at people you see

50:06

them and you you know and that I think that's

50:08

that of something that. Anybody. Who

50:10

can experience? Should experience? And

50:13

I think absolutely, just give it a chance to

50:15

everything you can to justice at least meet them,

50:17

you know. and if you meet them if it

50:19

doesn't work out, At least you know

50:21

yona mean acres. I mean it's suspect I

50:24

closer is to so fulfilling. Either way. right?

50:26

So I mean that is if there's

50:28

anybody out there who's you know wondering?

50:31

I mean, please, just absolutely go

50:33

for you if. Either

50:35

way, you'll you'll. You'll. You'll

50:38

feel forced, you'll feel full circle. Either way,

50:40

it's very important distances to see that and

50:42

experience that if you can. Their family might

50:44

be looking for them as well and and

50:47

want to can an as yet. And.

50:49

That's the thing. And that's the coin tosses. like. You.

50:52

And mean as they are than you know you

50:54

can have yet to your family's you know x

50:56

that you know now your family's huge speaker. Even

50:58

as you've already a big fan, you gain more

51:00

members and. And. It's it's amazing to me

51:02

the know that you know like. Other going

51:05

to be you know at my at my wedding

51:07

when I get married the going to be my

51:09

college graduation he other can be this and that

51:11

and it's my family and in our I'll always

51:13

have them in my life no matter where in

51:15

the is just. A mean, the

51:17

definition of a blessing. It's amazing. it's

51:19

to know that. But. Absolutely.

51:22

I mean, just don't even if it's scary. At

51:24

least find out for yourself. you'll be. You'll be glad

51:26

you did either. Arrive. While. Just in.

51:28

This is such an awesome story. Am.

51:31

I'm really really glad you took the initiative

51:33

and the you guys were able to connect

51:35

and I think it's going to help a

51:37

lot of people in hearing this to. Other

51:41

people that are adoptees and families that

51:43

gave up their child for adoption knowing

51:45

that they're really you know there's a

51:47

possibility that you can connect and. And

51:50

be a blessing to each other for people

51:52

don't even want to talk to you or

51:54

or want to contact you in some way

51:56

or you gave me your email address and

51:58

so yeah, last year. Put that in the

52:00

show notes or somebody wants to send you an

52:03

email than they can do that. And.

52:05

Know Absolutely Yeah. And once again,

52:07

Johnson. Great. Story Thank you so

52:09

much for sharing with us. Absolutely

52:11

Scott Thank you so much for giving this opportunity to

52:13

to get it out there to that's one of the

52:15

biggest I just I want this story be shared as

52:18

much as possible because it means so much to me

52:20

and you know posting in here and if a website

52:22

the see people's reactions. I just love to see. How

52:24

a how moves people and I just I thank

52:26

you for this opportunity the to get it out

52:29

they've it further. I really do. Justin

52:43

It's great to have you back your on

52:45

the podcast. Absolutely Man, thank you

52:47

so much I'm really happy. Racket said sir

52:49

was great. I hear from you again. And

52:52

a lot of things happen since we last spoke

52:54

the morning. Talk about that but one ask you

52:56

first, how often do you get to see your

52:58

birth mother? Has are so we see

53:01

each other. Probably we like to make an

53:03

effort to see each other probably around once

53:05

every couple months she lives about an hour

53:07

away so and some. And also it's not

53:09

like we have too many opportunities to see

53:11

each other since I work from home and

53:13

I were just versus pretty busy overall when

53:15

it comes to the weekend, but I'll probably

53:17

see like once every once every month, once

53:19

every two months kind of ordeal. But. We.

53:22

We talk regularly, so. Now. You

53:24

hell, and Cassoni's had a lot of stuff

53:26

happen. I mean, it's been five year. More

53:28

than five years Or five and half years

53:30

since you've been on the show. You graduated

53:32

college, you were in college. When we spoke,

53:34

right. Yeah. Yeah yeah that would.

53:36

When we spoke that was my i'm yeah

53:39

that was during my last semester is only

53:41

spoke Yeah that was prep for I graduated

53:43

The am I correct in saying and what

53:45

you graduated in is not the work you're

53:47

doing now right? So about that. So when

53:50

I when I went when I took a

53:52

graphic design as a whole when he came

53:54

to a major A, it's kind of tricky

53:56

because this whole idea of it was. I

53:58

loved creating and I've. Enjoyed using the software,

54:01

but when it comes to real world application,

54:03

one thing that I've learned is that like

54:05

the practical use of in the in like

54:07

the big I'm feel becomes like big companies

54:09

is it's mostly just can't like churning out

54:11

the same thing. It's not so much about

54:13

the design itself is it is about like

54:16

of our measurements and metrics and machinery. The

54:18

lot of. Big. Machinery involved with a

54:20

lot of companies now so it out on

54:22

our I just as I went on. I

54:24

just I didn't really feel like it fit

54:26

what I needed to. I didn't really feel

54:28

like I was making any sort of a

54:30

difference. But now I work for Humana out

54:33

managed pupils policies with insurance and I go

54:35

over the information with them. I reach other

54:37

doctors I can. I pretty much a jack

54:39

of all trades on a connoisseur insurance as

54:41

a whole now and I've learned lots of

54:43

different things about it So and it's extremely

54:45

fulfilling. I love what I do, the people

54:47

I work where they have a fantastic superior.

54:49

She's great! So yeah I definitely just feel like

54:52

things that just kind of on track out any

54:54

to be nice but I mean I i didn't

54:56

to college for sure but I i definitely like

54:58

I'm where I need to be announced. So yeah

55:00

it's great to have work that you love for

55:02

sure! We have absolutely. And. You have

55:04

also since gotten married Yes yes so I'm

55:07

right is okay. A couple years after I'm

55:09

after I met Heather in my family us

55:11

yeah my wife now Brandy we got married.

55:14

I'm here in Florida into this country club

55:16

and it was just absolutely beautiful. We searched

55:18

high and low for some good been use

55:20

and it was just a grand slam. We

55:23

all have such a glass or friends and

55:25

family and got just a bunch of beautiful

55:27

photos and it was just an absolute in

55:30

added and experience. It was a lot of

55:32

fun and yeah we've been married now. For

55:34

our was twice way for yes about

55:36

that for. This. November will

55:38

be four years together. So yeah, You

55:41

better keep track of that time there

55:43

is. Yeah, it's it's it's aggressive where

55:45

the haven't quite for your by other

55:47

to do you want to keep in

55:50

mind. And yeah yeah and you get

55:52

another date, a birthday deed of old,

55:54

your youngest one. Now why When did

55:56

that happen? Yes, oh that was the

55:58

thirtieth. Or not the thirtieth

56:00

of December we almost a we always

56:03

have You met Brady will boot membrane

56:05

he made jokes about like always. Hopefully

56:07

happens before they are be attacked baby.

56:11

And and seven thirtieth December is when

56:13

he. Was. On the more we we

56:15

want to the hostage on the twenty ninth is

56:17

us as a schedule for a c section and

56:19

everything went swimmingly. It. Was a great

56:21

experience. May Grey doctors there and. It

56:24

was just insane to see a mare

56:26

and Ali was. It was really really

56:28

beautiful. But yeah, it's it's we've been

56:30

trying for a long time. in. Good.

56:32

Lord Blesses thought was time. So see

56:34

your husband, a dad and an insurance

56:36

specialist you are you had a lot

56:38

of stuff happening. yeah there is I'm

56:40

we reached out to be that was

56:43

the first thing actually thought about. like

56:45

there is a lot of things that

56:47

are haven't Santa. That's one reason I

56:49

like absolute because I'd love to Philly

56:51

and and the others because deftly a

56:53

lot of a big milestones in a

56:55

lot of great things that have that

56:58

have transpired. Absolutely yeah now there's another

57:00

thing and warnings he about that you.

57:02

Mention. When we spoke. You.

57:04

Have had a pretty substantial

57:07

weight loss. Tells about

57:09

the it's actually it's kind of inspirational myself

57:11

out know for anyone else but I've been

57:13

pretty overweight for ah for probably like the

57:15

past nine. Ten years or so and I

57:18

are on like a bigger guys. I never

57:20

really like thought about that much like like

57:22

that broad shoulders and stuff. but after after

57:24

Ash was born a something just kind of

57:27

clicked to me and I was like. Aloe

57:29

was like this a new awaken sense of like.

57:32

Duty. I guess they're kind of be

57:34

the best version of myself as you know at.

57:37

I started thinking about as like you know I

57:39

don't I don't want to be running around playing

57:41

with him and like be out of breath. yeah

57:43

no I don't want to be outta breath when

57:45

I'm like teach and had a you know tie

57:47

shoes or I wanted to be at my full

57:50

capacity for him especially when he gets the age

57:52

you know running around and which he's already doing

57:54

that so I better a the high specific that

57:56

save some energy. Yeah yeah and I've I'm yeah.

57:58

I started, I started. I want

58:00

to see March of last year and

58:03

ah yeah right now just just clock

58:05

and fifty pounds and I got about

58:07

thirty to go and then after that

58:10

I'll just maintain from there. So but

58:12

I've I've felt great up of new

58:14

clothes. I ah midst it's been a

58:16

fantastic experience and so. It's. Gonna

58:19

feel amazing and what was

58:21

your method of doing that?

58:23

Yeah. So. One of the things

58:25

I've when I when I tried weight loss in

58:27

the past one of the things that I have

58:29

always tried at that I had always focused on

58:31

was working out. I was like oh you know

58:33

I'll see what I want but also work out

58:35

as work on I tried that no results and

58:37

I finally can. I came to a porras like.

58:40

I can learn and started understanding that it's more

58:42

important of what you're putting into your body. Rather,

58:44

Than because you. The truth is you cannot

58:47

run your fork. You know? I mean as

58:49

soon as the thing is, once I've actually

58:51

started putting in effort on my nutrition and

58:53

I'm staying in a calorie deficit, then my

58:56

body's with my has responded so much better

58:58

that way. and it's the just comes off

59:00

as long as I'm consistent so adjusts calorie

59:02

deficit. that's the biggest thing but I can.

59:05

Tell. Anyone who serious about weight loss

59:07

working out is great. The great way

59:09

to supplement your weight loss. But he

59:12

did the didn't That has to be

59:14

King is back Calorie deficit As you

59:16

know it's It's really helped me. So

59:19

yeah, I've heard the phrase die and

59:21

for weight loss exercise for fitness, right?

59:23

Yep, exactly. Well. That's kinda disappointing.

59:25

You didn't take a magic pill or

59:27

something that is so right off now.

59:29

but you you would be sought to the

59:32

amount of people who want those kind

59:34

of pills or dislike. I just want

59:36

to eat whatever an Emmy. Their studies that

59:38

show you know people who'd take those

59:40

weight loss pills and then they stopped.

59:42

Betas gain it right back as they didn't

59:44

develop any sort of healthy eating habits.

59:46

so there is no magic pill. Know

59:48

this isn't so happy to hear about all

59:51

these amazing things that are happening for

59:53

you. An arm and you're getting ready

59:55

to move again. Yeah, yep, So yeah. my

59:57

wife Gray, We've lived an hour. We

59:59

lived in Austin. The Ahora Si moved

1:00:01

here about six or seven years ago. I

1:00:03

want to know. Yeah, roughly about six

1:00:05

years ago because you move to their

1:00:07

parents. She lives. She lives in a small

1:00:09

town called Hartford in Alabama. She's lived

1:00:12

here since and not ever since we

1:00:14

got married. We found a place down

1:00:16

here. We lived in Zephyr Hills for about

1:00:18

two years which was great. Just a

1:00:20

beautiful little town, very slow moving are

1:00:22

very friendly people and then after that we

1:00:24

bought a house here in Lakeland which

1:00:26

we've lived in for a bow was

1:00:28

a to and maybe three years at this

1:00:30

point. and ah yes, so now we

1:00:32

are going to be moving upstate to

1:00:34

North Florida where I'm actually originally from and

1:00:37

I'm a lot of Brandy saw friends

1:00:39

and her close social circle or up

1:00:41

in that area as well. Another

1:00:43

thing that we took into consideration you know

1:00:45

was ass and his future with you know

1:00:48

com like a preschooler just because up in

1:00:50

that like up and Northport of there's a

1:00:52

lot a lot more quality choices for him

1:00:54

you know we just we want the best

1:00:56

for himself really just on all fronts and

1:00:58

this this is the right move and think

1:01:00

there's been working out been very blessed the

1:01:03

way things and panning out for a so

1:01:05

absolutely no seems like the right thing to

1:01:07

do. although you know North Florida gets kinda

1:01:09

cold sometimes that's true though busy I love

1:01:11

the cold and at the one of. The

1:01:13

guys around young people okay oh yeah yes

1:01:15

the it is so funny because I was

1:01:18

born and raised in Florida but I just

1:01:20

can't take the he I just not used

1:01:22

to in our lives. I mean there were

1:01:24

definitely can for to that we're we're think

1:01:26

an either or North Potter or maybe south

1:01:28

South Alabama. Our somewhere in that in that

1:01:31

range is where will the land. Well.

1:01:33

Just since. Great year for me again

1:01:35

and I'm really happy for you. Union in

1:01:37

your new wife and your new son

1:01:39

and numb. I'd really hope hope things

1:01:41

keep going well for you. Absolutely

1:01:43

Man, Thank you so much as Gray reaching out

1:01:46

to you And yeah, absolutely I appreciate. Yeah, it's

1:01:48

been a pleasure to share that experience. initially. my

1:01:50

first spoke with you and I'm happy to follow

1:01:52

up. So has great talking with you. On

1:01:59

So happy for Joe! Them He's living the

1:02:01

life that makes him happy. You.

1:02:03

Can see pictures of him and

1:02:05

his family in the episode notes

1:02:07

at what was that like.com/one Seven

1:02:09

Zero. All.

1:02:12

I'm going to get kind of personal here for a

1:02:14

minute and this is not an ad. I'm not being

1:02:16

paid to say this, I just wanna tell you what's

1:02:18

happened with me over the last year. For.

1:02:21

Years I've been trying to lose like

1:02:23

twenty pounds or so just to get

1:02:25

down to what I consider my correct

1:02:28

way, which is around one seventy one

1:02:30

seventy five. I'd lose a little bit.

1:02:33

Then. My stupid brain would go pay.

1:02:35

Good job, you can go back to

1:02:37

year old habits and then I'm back.

1:02:39

Or started. I've been tracking my weight

1:02:41

everyday for more than five years and

1:02:43

I can look back and see that

1:02:45

I've been doing that stupid up and

1:02:47

down cycle that whole time. How ridiculous

1:02:49

is that? I finally

1:02:52

figured out that I needed a coach to help

1:02:54

me break that pattern. That's. When

1:02:56

I started working with Marcus, I

1:02:58

at Marcus through a podcasting mastermind that were

1:03:00

both him because he has a podcast to.

1:03:03

He said he could help and he is

1:03:05

a long track record of helping hundreds of

1:03:07

people just like me. So.

1:03:09

About a year ago we got started.

1:03:12

Fast. Forward to today. Of

1:03:14

not only lost the weight and I'm

1:03:17

down in my goal range, but I

1:03:19

also know how to stay. There is

1:03:21

no longer a cycle. Marcus.

1:03:23

Gave me the tools to make that

1:03:25

happen. Like. A said

1:03:27

this is not a paid add. I don't

1:03:29

get any money or anything from Marcus for

1:03:32

talking about him here. I dislike to promote

1:03:34

people who are really good at what they

1:03:36

do because I know a lot of people

1:03:38

who are listening to this podcast can benefit

1:03:41

by hiring him. If. That you

1:03:43

talk to Marcus. His. Website

1:03:45

is thriving Lives fitness.com He's

1:03:48

a real person than he

1:03:50

loves helping people like you

1:03:52

and me. Sending. A

1:03:54

message through the site and set up a time to

1:03:56

talk about what you need. And. Then

1:03:58

let me know. It happens. Graphics.

1:04:02

For this episode and free aided

1:04:05

by Bob Brits full episode transcription

1:04:07

was created by James Lie. And

1:04:11

now the listener story. Every episode ends

1:04:13

with a story sent in by a

1:04:15

listener just like you. Give. A

1:04:17

story of something interesting or unusual.

1:04:20

Of course you do just recorded

1:04:22

on your phone and email it

1:04:24

to make Scott at what was

1:04:26

that like.com. This

1:04:29

listener discovered how awkward it can

1:04:31

be to fire someone, But that's

1:04:33

not the whole story. Stay

1:04:36

safe back in a week with a

1:04:38

brand new episodes. I

1:04:43

had just been promoted to a management

1:04:45

has that san as much about. Been

1:04:47

out for a little over a year.

1:04:50

He. And Fab was about to take on

1:04:52

his ear of about twenty people. Thirty.

1:04:56

Minutes or the it's train. Found out

1:04:58

that as a teen was actually going

1:05:00

to be tied down. Ed. So

1:05:03

we. Are about he'll have to

1:05:05

fire hadn't people? She.

1:05:07

Decided that not how she wanted to leave

1:05:09

the company he looked like. Way to do

1:05:11

that. Fell. He went

1:05:14

ahead and last earlier than she

1:05:16

had originally anticipated. He had made

1:05:18

it my problem. Though.

1:05:20

My first act of manager with the

1:05:22

possibility of pilots had people that I

1:05:24

had never. Really? Interacted with that

1:05:26

all before. South. Korean

1:05:28

by he and his baby

1:05:30

and nauseated. By. It

1:05:33

went ahead yeah and that's what during

1:05:35

cold and flu or all virtual though

1:05:37

when had yeah it does. The.

1:05:39

First, a gentleman that I called. Is

1:05:42

very up that it was completely out

1:05:44

of the blue. He was very angry.

1:05:46

very bad is it also very worried

1:05:48

because his wife yeah the sun also

1:05:51

worked. At the company in different departments.

1:05:53

How they were not impacted but

1:05:56

unfortunately he was. It.

1:05:58

Was a big mess he can elect. Other

1:06:00

people now what was going on it would.

1:06:03

Not. Really the way that I wanted to start.

1:06:05

My career. In any case, A

1:06:08

couple months later, I inherited another

1:06:10

team from the same company. He

1:06:12

and his wife was on that

1:06:14

team. Has. Very worried I'm

1:06:16

going to be awkward. You. Know I

1:06:18

had. Fired. Her husband. Holy

1:06:21

cow more awkward when I got

1:06:23

a message from twenty three and

1:06:25

need for somebody the was looking

1:06:28

to. Put. Pieces together for their

1:06:30

family members who had been adopted. Try

1:06:32

to track down relative. Many things

1:06:34

about each her. And

1:06:36

she gave me the last name of the

1:06:38

relatives of working in a few that selection

1:06:41

that she thought she had made to that

1:06:43

last name. And I

1:06:45

said well I I don't think I have

1:06:47

been family remember with that last name but

1:06:49

oddly enough I do have that employees with

1:06:52

that last name. Though.

1:06:54

Went back and forth talk to

1:06:56

my employee found out that to

1:06:58

my first act of being a

1:07:01

manager was to fire my. Third,

1:07:03

Call them. So. That

1:07:05

would sit and have. Just.

1:07:08

Gotta love the to as good as the

1:07:10

great to. See.

1:07:18

This is Scott. Did. You know we

1:07:20

offer a premium feed of the

1:07:23

show that is completely ad free

1:07:25

and or bonus episodes. Go.

1:07:27

To what was that like.com/plus or just

1:07:29

click the link in the show notes

1:07:31

of in the episode to learn more

1:07:33

and a sign up. If. You're

1:07:35

listening on Apple podcasts you can sign of

1:07:38

right there in the app by clicking. Try

1:07:40

Free as a top of the episode list.

1:07:43

And I hope to see you in the

1:07:45

premium feed. Soon.