In this beautiful episode of "How I Made It Through," host Bernadette Thompson sits down with Francine Apy, a trailblazer in the adoption community and the founder of SoulFilling. Francine has over 30 years of lived experience and she more than anyone knows of the spiritual journey of joining together Adoptive Parents, Birth families and the Adoptees
Francine discusses the creation of her platform, inspired by a close friend and her own experiences, to fill a gap in mainstream conversations about adoption. She emphasizes the importance of within the adoption triad: adoptive parents, birth families, and adoptees. Francine passionately advocates for changing the narrative around adoption, focusing on inclusivity and understanding.
Listeners will learn about Francine's children's book, "Brianna's Brave Day at School," and her personal growth journal, "Sparking the Next Chapter: Your Adoption Journey in Words and Photos." Both works aim to amplify the conversation around adoption and provide tools for personal reflection and growth.
Join Bernadette and Francine as they explore the emotional journey of adoption, the significance of storytelling, and the power of embracing one's unique story, whether through adoption or ancestry.
- **Soul Filling Website:** [Soul Filling](https://www.soulfilling.com)
- **Books by Francine Apy:**
- *Brianna's Brave Day at School* - Available on Amazon
- *Sparking the Next Chapter: Your Adoption Journey in Words and Photos* - Available on Amazon
Reach out to Bernadette : www.tellmeourstory.com
email: Bernadette@tellmeourstory.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to "How I Made It Through" and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Share this episode with friends and family who might benefit from Francine's insights into the adoption journey. Visit Francine's website to learn more about her work and explore the resources available for those touched by adoption. Join us next week for another inspiring story of resilience and transformation. Stories, Symbols, and Support
**Chapter Markers:**
- **[00:00] Introduction:** Bernadette introduces Francine Apy and the mission of Soul Filling.
- **[03:00] Francine's Journey:** Francine shares her background and what led her to create Soul Filling.
- **[06:00] The Adoption Narrative:** Discussing the evolution of adoption stories and the importance of modern conversations.
- **[09:00] The Emotional Journey:** Exploring the emotional experiences of adoptive families and adoptees.
- **[12:00] Tools for Reflection:** Francine talks about her books and resources designed to support the adoption community.
- **[15:00] Language and Empowerment:** The impact of language on adoption narratives and empowering adoptees.
- **[18:00] The Power of Storytelling:** How storytelling helps bridge gaps and foster understanding in adoption.
- **[21:00] Francine's Vision:** Future goals for Soul Filling and fostering inclusivity within the adoption triad.