Hi! I’m Kristal
In this episode, Kristal sits down with Sarah Reinhardt to explore adoptee identity, reunion and how coming out of the fog can transform the way we understand ourselves and our stories.
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“There’s nothing wrong with me. I just don’t genetically belong here.” – Sarah Reinhardt
Sarah Reinhardt on Identity, Reunion & Healing
In this episode of Because She’s Adopted, Kristal Parke sits down with adoptee, writer and Adoption: The Making of Me co-host Sarah Reinhardt to explore identity, reunion and what it truly means to come out of the fog. Born during the Baby Scoop Era, Sarah shares how becoming a mother sparked questions about her own origins and ultimately led her to search for her biological family. While reunion brought answers, it was years later, after reading The Primal Wound and connecting with other adoptees, that many of her lifelong experiences finally began to make sense. This heartfelt conversation explores adoptee identity, belonging, storytelling and how sharing our experiences can help others feel less alone.
Coming Out of the Fog
Many adoptees describe “coming out of the fog” as the moment they begin to see their adoption experience through a new lens. For Sarah, that shift didn’t happen immediately after reunion. Instead, it came through reading The Primal Wound, listening to other adoptees and recognizing that many of the emotions she had carried throughout her life were shared by others. Rather than creating a new identity, coming out of the fog helped her better understand the one she had always lived.
Becoming a Mother Changed Everything
Sarah explains that it wasn’t until she became pregnant with her own child that questions about her identity began to surface. Wanting to understand where she came from and who she resembled led her to begin searching for her biological family. That journey eventually reunited her with her birth mother and siblings, while also revealing that her birth father had passed away before she could meet him. Sarah’s story highlights how major life events often become turning points for adoptees exploring their origins.
The Power of Storytelling
As co-host of Adoption: The Making of Me, Sarah has helped create a platform where adoptees can share their stories openly and honestly. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the importance of listening without judgment and creating spaces where adoptees feel understood rather than dismissed. Every story shared helps build greater awareness of the many different ways adoption can shape a person’s life.
Finding Belonging
One of the most moving moments in the episode is Sarah’s reflection that nothing was inherently wrong with her, she simply wasn’t genetically connected to the family she grew up in. That realization shifted the way she viewed herself and allowed her to replace self doubt with understanding and self compassion. Her journey reminds us that belonging isn’t about changing who we are. It’s about understanding ourselves more completely.
Why Adoptee Voices Matter
Sarah hopes conversations like these continue to encourage adoptees to tell their stories and support one another. By sharing lived experiences, adoptees help challenge outdated assumptions, reduce stigma and create communities where healing becomes possible. Every voice adds another piece to a much larger conversation about identity, truth and belonging.
Listen to this episode on the
Because She Was Adopted Podcast
Healing isn’t always about finding every answer. Sometimes it’s about finally asking the right questions. Sarah’s journey reminds us that identity isn’t discovered in a single moment. It unfolds through curiosity, connection and the courage to see ourselves more clearly.
If this conversation resonates with you, know that your questions are valid and your story matters. By sharing our experiences, we help others feel seen, understood and a little less alone.
Thank you for being here.
With gratitude,
Kristal
