Identity is complex.  I think we become who we are through a mishmash of genetics, relationships and experiences.  For me- growing up with a closed adoption meant that I knew there were more pieces to the puzzle than I currently had.  Hearing from my birthmother, Belle, and my biological brother, Jonathan, for the first time was starting to help me discover some of the missing pieces.  Years later, going through the fire forced me to reexamine my identity in new ways.  And now, I'm taking the time to process through how these events tie to my identity and  Belle's passing, before I make my way out to Louisiana to learn more about who she was.