An Interview with Kelley Nikondeha

“One of the changes for me is that I do not want to be telling everybody to adopt. When I was younger, even as an earlier adult I would have told most people, “It’s a good thing, I’m going to tell you how great it is! I’m going to tell you my story, do it! Thoughtfully, yada yada, but do it!” Conversations with my brother and other people who have his story have really given me pause. I don’t tell people to rush out and adopt anymore. I encourage them to think of other ways they can enact belonging in their communities and not to think that adoption is the only way or the best way.”

My Adoption Journey: From reunions, to struggles, to gaining a new best friend

“The day I met my birthmother in person was completely surreal. We already established a connection from many emails we exchanged before picking a date and location to meet. I was so nervous I thought I would throw-up, which was completely out of character. I think my nerves kept me from bawling when we first saw each-other and hugged.”