Christina: The Ups and Downs of Reunion

S7, Ep. 10: Christina
Christina Thanstrom is a baby Scoop-era adoptee born in Los Angeles in 1966. A loving couple adopted her in 1967 through LA County and she had a mostly idyllic childhood with a younger brother (also adopted) in the San Fernando Valley.
Christina was reunited with her birth mother, Arleen, an R.N., at age 19 while in college (the same age Arleen had given birth to Christina). Christina learned that when Arleen’s parents discovered her pregnancy, they threw her high school graduation photo against the wall and called her a “whore.” She then went to a “home for unwed mothers” where she gave birth to Christina.
Reunion was fraught with unspoken emotions and unaddressed traumas on both sides. Sadly, Arleen died at 52. 23&Me introduced Christina to her bio-father’s family, who have opened their arms and hearts to her.
Christina and her hubby David are proud parents of adult children, Sophia and Harrison. Christina is a devoted rescue pup mom and fierce animal rescue advocate. She hopes that we overcome and eliminate the shame and the secrecy surrounding adoption on all sides of the triangle.
Adoption stories, Adoptee experiences, Adoptee insights,
Adopted perspective, Adoption journeys, Adoptee identity, Adoptee voices, Adoption narratives, Growing up adopted, Adoptee reflections,
Adoption realities, Finding family: Adoptee tales, Adoption insights, Adoptee culture, Adoption challenges, Adoption truths, Adoptee conversations,
Adoptee community, Adoption experiences
#adoptee #adoption #adopteestories #adopteevoices #podcast #podcasting #atmom

[@maryannscott5567]

Another fantastic interview! I subscribe to several adoption-related podcasts and yours is by far my favorite. I love how you subtly educate the audience while encouraging and supporting your guests to honestly share their authentic experiences. - a BSE Mother

[@mireillekwak3883]

Thank you for sharing your story Christina.

[@bobettejoyner]

I am not adopted but have so enjoyed your podcast. I am 72 and recently found out via Ancestry that I have a half sibling (brother) that is 11 years younger than me. My mother and father were married at the time. I am youngest of three and both my brother and sister are deceased. I really want to just say thanks for opening my eyes that any real reunion or meeting needs to be on his terms. Long story …. We have spoken only via text and at first thought it would not change my life but found myself wanting to press for meeting. And now I know I was trying to fill a hole in my own life. I so appreciate all the adoptee insight.

[@Countjackula]

Wow my mom sounds similar to your mom, she won’t spend more than 4 hours with us and we have to be doing an activity. I’ve begged her to come over to my house and just be, she won’t. I’ve never even met her boyfriend of 16 years son or grandchildren. But she will spend weekends at their cabin or have them all over for dinner and play games. I don’t get it, but maybe one of the difference is the biological connection

[@maryannscott5567]

Is that your adoptive mother or your biological mother?