Ashley’s unexpected DNA results revealed that the father who raised her was not her biological father. After a long search, she found a man who had no idea he had a daughter. In this episode of Family Twist, Ashley tells Kendall what happened after they connected and how their growing relationship changed both of their lives.
New to Ashley’s story? Start with Part 1, Nothing Lit Up on Her Father’s Side, to hear how her DNA results first raised questions about her family history.
Want more Corey and Kendall? Join us on Patreon for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus show with personal stories, behind-the-scenes conversations, family chaos and plenty we would not normally share on Family Twist.
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What happens when the biological father you expected to reject you never knew you existed?
In Part 1, Ashley learned through DNA testing that the man who raised her was not her biological father. After a two-year search, Search Squad found a name and contact information within 24 hours. Four months after giving birth to her daughter, Ashley ran a background check and mailed a cautious letter to a man she knew almost nothing about.
Two days later, he called and left a brief voicemail: “Now you have my number.” Their first exchanges involved selfies and pictures of a truck, a car, a cat, a dog and a motorcycle. When they finally spoke, Ashley learned that he had been told he could not have children and had spent 36 years with no idea that he had a daughter.
Then the story takes an almost unbelievable small-town turn. A friend of Ashley’s newly discovered father realizes she knows the parents who kept the truth from her, bringing the family secret directly back to the people who had refused to answer Ashley’s questions.
In Part 2, Ashley tells Kendall what happened when she confronted her parents, why finally having the truth ended their power over her and how her relationship with her biological father grew through weather warnings, family photographs and an unforgettable first Mother’s Day visit with her 87-year-old grandmother.
Ashley also shares what she told her therapist after receiving affection she did not have to work for: “I’m not doing anything to earn this.” Her therapist’s answer was simple: “You’re not supposed to.”
Listen to hear how a man who believed he could never have children celebrated his first Father’s Day at 66.
Want more Corey and Kendall?
Join us for Family Twist After Hours, our weekly unfiltered bonus podcast featuring personal stories, family secrets, behind-the-scenes conversations and plenty we don’t share on the regular show.
Your Patreon membership also helps cover the costs of keeping Family Twist going. Plus, subscribers get new Family Twist episodes a day early!
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