Listener Note: This episode contains sensitive content, including the death of a pet, home invasion, and terminal illness.

In this powerful continuation of Kendall’s adoption journey, we dive deep into one of the most defining and devastating chapters of his life: the years following his adoptive mother Betty’s terminal diagnosis.

Why I’m Not Angry They Didn’t Tell Me She Was Dying

Corey and Kendall reflect on the difficult balance Betty and Ruble struck — trying to give Kendall a joyful childhood filled with travel, birthdays, and laughter, even as Betty’s health declined. From cross-country road trips in a Monte Carlo to a handmade pool-shaped birthday cake, this episode paints a vivid picture of love under pressure.

But that love story is interrupted by tragedy: a break-in at their home while they were visiting Betty in the hospital. The burglars didn’t just ransack the house — they poisoned the family dog, creating a trauma that Kendall still dreams about decades later.

In a raw and emotionally honest conversation, Kendall opens up about what it felt like to be shielded from the truth, how much he admires his parents’ strength, and the complicated feelings he later developed about how he handled things with Ruble after Betty’s death.

If you’re part of the adoption community, dealing with grief, or curious about how family secrets shape our lives — this episode is essential listening.

Topics Covered:

• Betty’s terminal illness and how the family kept it from Kendall
• Summers filled with joy, despite looming loss
• The emotional impact of childhood travel and adventure
• The trauma of coming home to a burglarized house — and a poisoned pet
• Grief, guilt, and coming to terms with how we treat our parents
• What it means to be emotionally honest in hindsight

Have a question for Kendall about his adoptive parents? We’re taking listener questions for an upcoming follow-up episode. Email or send us a voice message — we’d love to include your question in a future show.