Protestant from the Melbourne suburb of Glen Iris, Glenn Wilson set in motion his own deep inner conversion. This transformation started when at 43 years old, he found out that he was adopted. This discovery transformed his understanding of his own identity. It pushed him to research a complicated family, leading him to connect with many half-siblings and learn more about his birth parents.
Wilson’s journey began with the passing of his adoptive father, who succumbed to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The emotional wreckage of this loss drove him to explore his roots more deeply. Although he had lived a fulfilling life, raising three sons and establishing a career, the mystery of his birth lingered in the background.
Across 2002 and 2003, Wilson had to contend with the heartbreak of losing both of his adoptive parents. Yet it wasn’t until he’d lost these three that he felt the need to finally face the reality of his origins. Twelve years later, on a whim, he took a DNA test. This decision would eventually bring him together with four of his half-siblings.
The DNA results opened a vivid panorama of familial ties. A finding that Wilson was completely unaware of. He discovered that he had seven half-siblings from his birth parents’ other families. His son’s wedding was a second chance with a revelation. The wedding introduced him to one of his new relatives. His own half-sister. That moment really drove home the profundity of his discoveries.
Wilson’s biological mother lives in country Victoria and has lived there ever since she gave birth to him. His biological father, who emigrated from England, is in his mid-80s, like Wilson’s mother. Wilson’s tie to his origins deepened his feeling of being grounded in one place. He was in his element running circles around all the family drama he was juggling.
Wilson found something pretty interesting. His original birth name was “Peter,” a name that doesn’t sound like him at all anymore. This little detail has been a constant reminder, every day, of the son he should have had – the son who would have survived had he been given the opportunity.
Wilson always felt a strong connection to the only adopted daughter in his family, one of his two sisters growing up. Learning about his own adoption transformed their relationship in unexpected and profound ways. Her bond with her brother grew much stronger through their shared experience. As they both embraced their queer identities and engaged with their shared traumatic pasts, my heart soared.
With each new revelation, Wilson reflected on how these connections have influenced his life and the lives of his children. In the process, he discovered that by knowing where you come from, you have the ability to see clearly. It also deepens the legacy that he will leave to his sons.
