Quotes & Reflections

Let us hurt together. Let us heal together. ~ Ananth Agasthya

We don’t heal in isolation, but in community. ~ S. Kelley Harrell

One day you will tell your story of how you’ve overcome what you’re going through now, and it will become part of someone else’s survival guide. ~ Brené Brown

Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued. ~ Brené Brown

Belonging and being loved are core to the human experience. We are meant to be in community. ~ Bruce D. Perry

Perhaps the muck we have had to slog through has hidden nutrients. ~ WKJ

I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become. ~ Carl Jung

In the container of unconditional acceptance, togetherness heals. ~ HH&H

Healing is a shared embrace, a gentle unfolding of strength, and a testament to the power of connection. ~ HH&H

Healing happens together through shared stories, open hearts, and the strength of connection. ~ HH&H

Healing is not a destination but a return—to self, to belonging, and to one another. Togetherness heals. ~ HH&H

When we gather in shared truth, the parts of us shaped by loss, longing, and discovery begin to remember they were never meant to walk alone. ~ HH&H

I have been to the NPE and Friends Retreat in the past. Hands down this was soooo much better! Breaking bread together, time to relax and share stories around the pool and in the houses was a wonderful experience and added an intimacy that is often missing. The openness of the attendees and the environment made a huge difference in the growth of friendships and lasting relationships for the future.

I found this group within a week of finding out that I wasn't related to the man I grew up thinking was my father. Their weekly zoom chats helped me get through the first few months, so I decided to try going to one of their retreats. I'm so glad I did! Now I've been to half a dozen retreats, and I plan to go to many more.

These retreats have changed my life, in so many ways. I’ve attended 9 retreats now and don’t plan on stopping any time soon! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I signed up for my first in April 2021, other than finally meeting the friends I’d bonded with so deeply through the support group and zooms. It can be a little scary booking a flight, hitching a ride from the airport with someone you’ve never met and staying in a house with up to 30 people you’ve only seen in boxes on zoom a few times a week. It was a leap of faith, and I’m so glad I jumped! Erin, Cindy and Annie are incredible hosts. The facilitator lineup is always amazing and I take so much away from each session. They also ensure there is plenty of time for great meals together, relaxation, laughter and game nights. I learn more and more about myself each time I attend, and these retreats have been the best investment I’ve ever made in my mental health. I highly recommend anyone impacted by DNA results attend at least one retreat!

This group has been life-changing in the most positive way. You may ask yourself, "are people really this kind and non-judgmental, can they really hold space for ME and all my mess?" The answer is a resounding YES! I was curious and maybe a little nervous about actually attending an event and putting myself out there. I also knew without showing up fully, I wouldn't start healing. I'm so glad I did. (Plus there's lots of great food, so much laughter and truly meaningful conversations!)

The moments spent bonding over our shared experiences are untouchable. Nothing compares to that in my opinion. The hugs, the small gestures of kindness, the knowing glances, the kind words… all of those little moments usually end up having the most impact for me.

I was fortunate to have attended my first retreat in July 2022, I was extremely nervous to travel far from home to meet "strangers" who I had never met in person, way out of my comfort zone! I will say walking in the door and feeling the immediate comfort and love from others who truly get it, what emotions that only fellow NPE, Adoptees, LDA, DCP understand! The facilitators were fellow members of our community and it felt like they were able to tap into all the emotions and healing! I built relationships with fellow attendees that I will have for a lifetime, for this loving close knit family I will forever be grateful! I look forward to attending my next retreat next year and would HIGHLY recommend for anyone in this community! It is worth going out of your comfort zone and be vulnerable, the healing is amazing!!

I have been to two retreats. I have attended one in person and one virtual. While the virtual was wonderful, educational and welcoming. I can't help but think back to being in the retreat home. It was the first time in 13 years I was with people who understood what it was like to find out a parent isn't a parent. In my case it was a late discovery adoption. That piece is minor, what is major is the welcome, relaxed, safe feeling you experience during a weekend retreat. The educational aspects and support is invaluable and so much healing happens no matter your location on the journey of discovery. What I love most is in that weekend you develop friendships, most that become life long. The chatting with each other never stops. You know if you get stuck on research or in my case you find out bio dad isn't really bio dad. I posted to the group frantically what's this level of cM mean? I got a quick response. I got support. Everyone on this journey should attend at least one retreat.

Okay, I admit it, I was very apprehensive to attending a retreat, and for many very good reasons: (1) COVID; (2) being a man, self- help, or retreats are not my thing (I fortunately had a very positive NPE discovery and was not feeling traumatized); (3) no other guy was going so it would be just me and a group of women; and, (4) I had better things to do (really?) Regardless of all these reasons not to go, I threw caution to the wind and dove in head first, and attended. And, I am very glad I did. At my first retreat, I learned what trauma really is, and discovered broadly how much weight that burden of trauma had been dragging me down. I had not realized its impact on me and that I had the power to change that. However, it was not just about me. I also met some very incredible people with amazing stories, and aside from my own challenges and needs, I found myself helping others through their journey. There is no excuse not to attend – for yourself, or for others. It was for me and will be for you a very rewarding experience.

This was my first retreat. I’m not sure what I expected but what I left with: at least a dozen new friends, a bellyache from the laughter, relief in my heart from some much-needed sharing, an intense need to hug people (stupid Covid), and a permanent plan to attend all future retreats. Cindy and Erin went above all expectations and are two of the most organized and kindest souls. Five stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Never before have I been in a space that could hold such diverse needs with love and understanding. Despite different backgrounds, Hiraeth Hope & Healing provided an experience that brought everyone together to share their own experience and connect through commonalities. Some people needed to laugh, some people needed to cry; there was space for all of it.

Being able to come together with others who get “it” to begin to find peace and hope and healing is priceless. The friendships and connections created will last a lifetime. Having a safe place to be vulnerable and laugh, cry, and share is incredibly freeing as part of the NPE trauma recovery process.

The HHH Retreats are so important to me. They are educational, provide a space for healing, create life-long friendships and most importantly - so much fun with people who "get it" when I really need it most! I have learned, laughed, cried and relaxed at each & every retreat I have attended. Highly recommended for any NPE, Adoptee, LDA or DCP.

There were great workshops by skilled licensed facilitators, fun activities and games, and down-time to just chat. Friendly and supportive group. What a transformative experience. Loved it!

Incredible experience of togetherness with people who get it. 💗

Amazing group of people...If you are a NPE, MPE, DC, ADOPTEE, LDA, This is the perfect place to find help & healing.