The Gift of Adoption: Jennifer's Story

Send us Fan Mail Jennifer Johnston brings a truly unique perspective to Choosing Chaos — she was adopted at birth, and years later, she became an adoptive mom herself. In this episode, Jennifer shares her experience building her family through adoption and the incredible perspective that comes from experiencing adoption from both sides. She talks openly and positively about the gift of adoption, the emotional highs and lows that can come with the process, and why understanding adoption laws, your rights, and the realities of each state’s process is so important for anyone considering this path to parenthood. We also talk about what motherhood looks like now that her daughter is school-aged — navigating the emotions, independence, friendships, and changing needs that come with watching your little one grow into her own person. And underneath it all is Jennifer's experience living with chronic illness. She shares what it means to be a present, engaged mom while managing fibromyalgia, the days when her body doesn't cooperate, and the reality of being the only parent when you're the one who needs care, too. This is a conversation about adoption, motherhood, resilience without the cliché, and the beautiful complexity of building a family in a way that may not look traditional — but can be every bit as full, loving, and meant to be. Support the show