In this episode of Voices of Adoption, host Donna Pope speaks with Craig S. Hyman, an adoption life coach with 35 years of experience helping adoptees and families. Craig shares his complete adoption journey from being placed at 11 months old into a loving extended family to his transformative reunion with his biological family in 1987.
Growing Up Adopted Craig describes his vibrant childhood with an "angelic" adoptive mother who became the center of his universe, surrounded by extended family gatherings of 30 people every Sunday. Despite this foundation of love, he experienced the complex identity questions many adoptees face, leading him to search for answers about his origins at age 26.
Musical DNA Discovery The breakthrough moment came when Craig learned his birth mother loved singing and piano - explaining his lifelong passion for music. His subsequent search revealed that nearly his entire maternal family worked in music, validating the genetic connection he'd felt throughout his life. The 11-month pre-internet search led to reunion, expanded family connections, and confirmation that adoption literally saved his life.
Craig now channels his experience into his Inside Out Expressive Arts Adoption Healing Seminar, helping thousands find community and healing.
Subscribe to Voices of Adoption for more adoption stories and healing resources.
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