This is my story. On November 14, 2024, I joined five other storytellers at the main-stage event of Pivot—a local storytelling event here in Spokane, WA—to share it, intimately, with an audience of 250 people. There is a different theme every event, and this time, we all were exploring the concept of “Roots.”
This was the first time I had ever told this story, like this at least, with all the details pieced together like an intricately patterned quilt. It’s a story of honor, respect, empathy, boundaries, connection, and ultimately life and death. It was my real life, all unfurling so perfectly.
I cried that night. Others did too. I welcome you to feel whatever you feel when you watch this, because the emotions this piques in you are exactly right for you. The emotions that you will witness in me here are not sadness and regret, but vulnerability and, truly, awe.
The rules of Pivot are simple: your story must be true, and you must tell it from memory, without any notes. Because of these rules and the way my mind works, I didn’t write this down before I told it. I have since translated it into a written essay, upon request, and have submitted it to be published. I will share the news on this when the time comes. Though this real-life pivot was unexpected, I’m so glad for it. The process has empowered me to do one of the things I love to do most in this life—write. And also, this story is about love, and right now, our world needs more of that.
I just read your Modern Love in the New York Times and wept. Thank you so much for sharing the story of you and your birth mom. It is so beautiful and heartfelt. I’m so glad you found one another.
Hi, Trish. Thank you so much for reading my story and then finding me on my website. And thanks for leaving this kind comment. I appreciate your words so much. I am so glad we found each other too. Love to you!