In this episode, Gene and Emily interview Paul Aubin, author of the book Secrets of the Father, about his journey of finding his birth parents. Paul was told he was adopted at the age of five and later decided to search for his biological parents after discovering he had high cholesterol. The search was challenging in the pre-internet era, but Paul had a series of serendipitous events that led him to his birth mother. He shares his emotional reunion with her and the impact it had on his life. Paul Aubin shares his journey of searching for his birth parents and the surprising discoveries he made along the way. He recounts how he stumbled upon an adoptee conference and met Nancy Sidderley, a researcher who helped him in his search. Paul shares the challenges he faced, including an empty file and a cover-up surrounding his birth father's identity. He also reveals the emotional meeting with his birth mother and the revelation that his birth father was a Catholic priest. Despite the obstacles, Paul remains grateful for the divine intervention that led him to uncover his true identity.

Show Notes:

• Being told about adoption at a young age can help children develop a healthy understanding of their identity.
• Health issues can be a motivating factor for adoptees to search for their biological parents.
• The search for birth parents can be challenging, especially in the pre-internet era.
• Serendipitous events and coincidences can play a significant role in the journey of finding birth parents.
• Reuniting with birth parents can have a profound impact on an adoptee's life. Coincidences and divine intervention can play a significant role in adoption searches.
• The search for birth parents can be filled with challenges, including empty files and cover-ups.
• Meeting birth parents can be emotionally complex and may not always result in the desired outcome.
• Adoptees may uncover surprising and unexpected aspects of their identity and family history.