May 13, 2020
Forgiveness, Peace and Happiness:
In this Onward Podcast episode, Jacqueline Appel shares her journey to find her birth parents. In addition, she reveals the life changing moments that happened to her in a short time span in 2016. Furthermore, Jacqueline believes it’s important to share our stories, especially if they’re helpful to others. Jacqueline shares much of her story publicly for the first time in this episode. Also, she says telling her story feels like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders. In addition, she hopes others can heal from hearing her story. In summary, Jacqueline has closure. She knows where she come from, who she come from, and why she is the way that she is. In summary, through the craziest year of her life, Jacqueline found forgiveness, peace and happiness.
Episode Highlights:
- First, Emily and Jacqueline discuss how they met each other.
- Then Emily asks Jacqueline to share her story.
- After that, Jacqueline shares that her parents told her when she was 3 that she was adopted and she’s always been curious.
- Some adoptees don’t want to find out more about their biological family.
- Jacqueline says there’s nothing wrong or selfish about wanting to know.
- Next, they discuss the best way for a parent to let the child know they’re adopted.
- Don’t treat it like its a big secret.
- Then, Jacqueline talks about when she decided she wanted to find her biological parents.
- She had to wait until she was 18 years old. Her father helped her write the letters.
- Jacqusline explains how she found her biological mother and father.
- She reached out to her biological mother in writing to say thank you.
- Also, Jacqueline describes what she felt when she met met her biological father.
- Jacqueline married when she was very young and separated from her husband at 22.
- Moving onward from divorce was more difficult than she expected.
- Jacqueline describes what it took for her to move onward through her divorce.
- Counseling helped her and she says she’s a huge fan.
- Jacqueline shares her story because she didn’t know a lot of adoptees when she was growing up and she doesn’t want the subject to be taboo.
- Furthermore, Jacqueline learned forgiveness and that sometimes the grass is greener on the other side.
- Forgiveness means peace and letting go to Jacqueline.
- Jacqueline is an entrepreneur/crafter and sells her personal gifts on Instagram and Etsy under A Touch of You by Jackie.
- Next, Jacqueline shares her future plans to get into farming.
- Also she reflects on her life and how she’s learned from her experiences and matured.
- In other words, the challenges she’s faced in her life made her who she is and she appreciates her experiences.
- Finally Jacqueline shares that telling her story feels like a weight has been lifted off her shoulders and she hopes others can heal from hearing her story.
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Jacqueline’s Instagram: @atouchofyoubyjackie