Jesslyn Parrish News Today

"I’ve realised that family isn’t always something you’re born into."

The author (left) and her mom, Lisa. Most people are born into their family. I was adopted by mine when I was 25. It’s an odd story, and at this point, I think I’ve seen every possible reaction: “Wow, I didn’t know you could do that;” “What happened with your old family?” and general reactions of shock, confusion and acceptance. Now that it’s been five years since my adoption was finalized, I rarely tell the full story anymore. Typically, if it’s rel...