In 1954, Jan was born in a Quaker unwed mother's home. She was relinquished at birth, and her adoptive parents and brother became her world. When Jan turned 38, she was inundated with what she calls "nudges" to locate birth mother. Meeting her birth mother and biological family led to a complex and incredible balancing act because both adoptive and biological families lived in the same city, She considers it a journey worth taking.

After retiring from her years of working in a classroom setting with children dealing with a variety of complex emotional and behavior issues, she decided to organize all the journals she enjoyed writing as a youngster growing up in northwest Ohio. Jan's passion for researching the details of her story heightened the desire to write her adoption story in the memoir, Finding the Rest of Me.

Jan's book details her journey to uncover her roots and discover her true identity. It's also a captivating exploration of the Friends Rescue Home, where she was born. It delves into the home's rich history and fascinating evolution, shedding light on a little-known aspect of the past. A vivid picture is composed of this providential institution and the women who found shelter within its walls, beginning in 1905.

She resides in her country home on the cliff above the Kentucky River in central Kentucky, surrounded by her husband, animals, and nature. When she's not writing, she enjoys being in the woods, hiking or on the water, kayaking.

Season 11: Adoptee Memoirs - books in order:

Practically Still a Virgin by Monica Hall

You Can't Get Rid of Me by Jesse Scott and Keri Ault

Unspoken by Liz Harvie

EVENTBRITE LINK - AUSTIN, TEXAS - LIVE PODCAST EVENT: 4/17 & 4/18 2206!

Sign up to be part of our mailing list and receive upcoming details about our April 17th & 18th Live Podcast Event in Austin, Texas!

Thank you to our Patreons! Join at the $10 level and be part of our monthly ADOPTEE CAFE community. The next meeting will be Saturday, March 7th, at 1 pm ET.

RESOURCES for Adoptees:

Adoptees Connect

Adoptee Mentoring Society

Gregory Luce and Adoptee Rights Law

Kristal Parke Because She Is Adopted

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.