Dec 2, 2024
"I think now that we have this knowledge, then we can use our story to help create awareness." - Lori Evans Ermi
Read the transcript here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JDRMT4Z5RGJ6SD35WBFBT4PM
EPISODE SUMMARY:
In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of welcoming Lori Evans Ermi and her 17-year-old daughter, Kate Ermi, both of whom are adoptees and co-wrote their new book, Adoption Songs. Our conversation delved into the complexities of adoption from their unique perspectives, highlighting the emotional layers that come with their experiences.
Lori shared her journey as a domestic adoptee from the baby scoop era, detailing her late discovery of her adoption at the age of eight and the trust issues that arose from that revelation. Despite having loving adoptive parents, she faced challenges in her identity and connection to her biological roots. Kate, on the other hand, has always known she was adopted and has navigated her own path of understanding her heritage, which was further illuminated through DNA testing.
We discussed the creation of Adoption Songs, where each chapter is framed as a track, with contributors choosing songs that resonate with their adoption stories. The book aims to provide a broad perspective on adoption, acknowledging both the joys and the inherent losses that come with it. Lori emphasized the importance of music as a healing tool, and Kate shared her lifelong passion for music, which has been a source of comfort for her.
Throughout our conversation, we touched on the significance of community and shared experiences among adoptees, as well as the need for more resources and support for young adults in the adoption community. Lori and Kate's commitment to raising awareness and fostering understanding about adoption's complexities is truly inspiring.
I encourage listeners to check out their book and visit their website, adoptionsongs.org, for more information and resources. Additionally, I shared details about an upcoming event, Adoption Healing Quest, which will take place in February 2025, aimed at exploring various healing modalities within the adoption community.
Thank you for joining us in this important conversation, and I hope you find the insights shared by Lori and Kate as enlightening as I did.
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RESOURCES:
Lori and Kate’s information:
Find their website with info about their book Adoption Songs: https://www.adoptionsongs.org/
Other resource mentioned in this episode:
The Primal Wound by Nancy Verrier: https://www.amazon.com/Primal-Wound-Understanding-Adopted-Child/dp/0963648004
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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson
Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao
Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com
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TIME STAMPS
00:00:00 - Welcome to Unraveling Adoption
Introduction to the podcast and hosts, Beth, Lori, and Kate.
00:01:10 - Adoptee Stories: Lori's Journey
Lori shares her adoption story, including her experiences and
feelings about being adopted.
00:04:47 - Adoptee Stories: Kate's Journey
Kate discusses her adoption experience and her understanding of her
identity.
00:06:45 - The Complexity of Adoption
Discussion on the layers of adoption and the importance of
understanding different perspectives.
00:07:33 - Creating Adoption Songs
Exploration of the book "Adoption Songs" and the involvement of
both Lori and Kate in its creation.
00:10:43 - The Primal Wound Concept
Introduction to the concept of The Primal Wound and its
significance in adoption narratives.
00:11:45 - Future Plans for Adoption Songs
Plans for a sequel to the book and the inclusion of more diverse
perspectives.
00:12:38 - The Role of Music in Healing
Discussion on how music plays a significant role in the lives of
Lori and Kate.
00:14:40 - Untangling Our Roots Experience
Kate shares her experience at the Untangling Our Roots event and
the impact of hearing others' stories.
00:18:03 - Navigating Complex Emotions
Lori and Kate discuss the complexities of their relationship and
the duality of love and loss in adoption.
00:21:29 - Mainstream Adoption Narratives
The importance of presenting adoption stories in a way that is
accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
00:22:30 - Finding Resources and Support
Information on where to find the book and additional resources
related to adoption.
00:23:26 - Upcoming Events and Closing Thoughts
Announcement of future events and a closing message of gratitude to
listeners.