In this touching episode, Aaron and his son share the story of their reunion after years of separation due to an adoption when Aaron was only 16. They are joined by Aaron's wife, Holly, who was a staunch supporter of the reunion and making Dustin a big part of their family life.   

Aaron recounts receiving an unexpected email from his son, leading to their joyous reunion. They reflect on the picture that had been their only connection, a young boy in a yellow lumberjack outfit, the immediate connection, Dustin's upbringing,  blending their family, regrets, and more.   

Tune in to hear their heartwarming journey of adoption, acceptance, love, and a beautiful reunion. 

Chat Breakdown:

[00:00:00] Adoption journey begins.

[00:01:09] Family dynamics and unexpected reunions.

[00:08:46] Finding long-lost family.

[00:14:00] Life in structured religion.

[00:15:00] Tension and rebellion in Utah.

[00:21:49] Meeting for the first time.

[00:24:47] Bonding and discipline.

[00:27:31] Strained relationship with adopted father.

[00:31:59] Mormons and family acceptance.

[00:34:47] Life's unconventional paths.

[00:36:51] Adoption and personal identity.

[00:41:02] Feeling of not fully belonging.

[00:46:13] Breast milk tasting experience.

[00:47:05] Feeling a sense of belonging.

[00:50:02] Resentment towards religious beliefs.

[00:54:36] Having a son's impact.

[00:56:15] Family dynamics and sibling relationships.

[01:00:32] Raising a child as the center of the universe.

[01:03:19] Sibling relationship and communication.

[01:07:24] The family episode and love.

[01:09:30] Future plans for the podcast.

Quotes:

"I don't know if he's my dad, but whoever this guy is, he's a heavy hitter, kind of famous tattoo artist."

"Well, yeah, I mean, I got that email and just blew my mind. I was I don't know. I don't want to say never been that excited because I have had two daughters and I have Married this beautiful woman over here so I've had some big moments in my life but that is in the top they're not even one better than the other there's like five big moments and that's one of them."

"I was taken from Tanya and placed with a family who I've actually met and I can't remember their names, but I met them way later in life and they had me for, I think it was seven weeks."

"I just had questions, I suppose more important to me, the older I got, but I was too busy being a wild man up until I joined the military to spend too much time on it."

"I have some friends who remained the center of their family's universe. And there are some of the most entitled pricks I've ever met in my life because they never got knocked down and realized that they had to share."

"Our relationship, you and I, has just been, like I said, best friends."

 

Connect with Dustin: 

IG: https://www.instagram.com/dustinwilley

Connect with Holly:

Evolve Wellness Spa:  https://www.evolveskinspa.com/

Connect with Aaron:⁠  

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts 

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com