In the nearly three years since launching the Family Twist podcast, Kendall and Corey have shared dozens of stories about family, identity, and the unexpected twists that life can throw our way. However, at the core of the podcast is a deeply personal narrative: Kendall’s journey to discover his birth family, reconnect with his roots, and navigate the complexities of loss and identity.
In this episode, Corey and Kendall reflect on Kendall’s story, offering fresh insights and heartwarming memories, while also acknowledging the significant influence their adoptive parents, Betty and Rubel, had on Kendall’s life.
A Gift That Changed Everything
Kendall’s life underwent a remarkable transformation in 2017 when Corey presented him with a DNA kit for his birthday. At that point, Kendall had very little knowledge about his biological family, having been adopted at just two months old. The results were nothing short of life-changing: he found a match with a half-brother in Massachusetts who had been searching for him since 1988.
This discovery led to the unveiling of a vast family tree: six half-siblings, 13 nieces and nephews, and birth parents who were still alive. Understanding that his birth parents were teenagers when he was born helped Kendall make sense of their choice to place him for adoption—a choice he has always respected.
Honoring Betty and Rubel: A Love Story for the Ages
At the core of Kendall’s story is the unwavering love of his adoptive parents, Betty and Rubel. Their journey to parenthood was fraught with challenges, including three miscarriages and the heartache of being told they could never conceive. Yet, they never gave up on their dream of having a family.
Betty and Rubel’s love story began at a dance hall in Arkansas—a setting rich with nostalgia and irony, as Rubel later became a devout Southern Baptist who shunned dancing. They were introduced by friends and quickly fell in love, embarking on a life filled with love, laughter, and resilience.
When they decided to adopt, the process was grueling, involving extensive interviews, home visits, and psychological testing. Yet, their determination never wavered. In 1970, they brought home a two-month-old Kendall, who, despite health challenges as a premature baby, quickly became the center of their world.
The Impact of Loss
Anne, a dedicated listener from the Caribbean, wrote a heartfelt letter that highlighted a significant part of Kendall’s story: the early loss of Betty and Rubel. Anne insightfully pointed out that Kendall’s deepest trauma may arise from the loss of his adoptive parents, whose love and values played a crucial role in shaping who he is today.
Kendall recognizes this lasting sorrow but views it as a reflection of the deep connection he had with his parents. “I don’t think you ever stop mourning your parents if you had a great relationship with them,” he shares. Their memory continues to motivate him, driving his passion to honor their legacy through storytelling.
Nature Versus Nurture
Kendall’s journey has offered him valuable perspectives on the relationship between nature and nurture. Watching the traits and personalities of his birth family has been intriguing, yet he attributes his strong sense of self-worth and values to his adoptive parents.
His reunion with his biological family has enhanced his gratitude for the love and sacrifices made by Betty and Rubel. While his connections with his birth family are developing, he remains thankful for the solid foundation his adoptive parents provided.
The Therapeutic Power of Storytelling
The Family Twist podcast has become more than just a platform for sharing adoption stories—it has been a source of healing and connection for Kendall and Corey. The heartfelt messages from listeners, like Anne, underscore the podcast’s impact in fostering understanding and empathy.
For Kendall, revisiting his story is a way to keep Betty and Rubel’s memory alive and to inspire others navigating their own family twists. Corey, ever the supportive partner, highlights the transformative power of sharing these deeply personal experiences.
A Call to Share and Connect
As Kendall and Corey encourage listeners to share the podcast with others, they emphasize the growing prevalence of DNA discoveries. With every story, Family Twist underscores the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring quest for identity.
Kendall’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound influence of unconditional love. As listeners, we are reminded of the importance of cherishing our families—both the ones we are born into and the ones we choose—and finding meaning in every twist and turn of our journeys.
