Siblings Without Blood: Stories from the Glass Door

Michele introduces her siblings, Lynn and Kevin, who share their unique perspectives on growing up in different branches of the same blended family tree.

• Lynn and Kevin discuss how they describe their family to others—Lynn's glass door analogy and Kevin's "huge family that loves to party" approach
• Both siblings share surprising similarities despite having no blood relation—both diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, both work with youth, both love the outdoors
• Kevin recalls the meaningful moment when his stepdad asked if he wanted to be part of the family and if he could call him "dad"
• They explore how household dynamics changed when siblings would leave for custody arrangements with other parents
• Kevin and Lynn reflect on building authentic relationships with step-siblings over time, with Kevin noting his relationship with his stepbrother feels "earned"
• Lynn shares her experience of being severely bullied in school and how that affected her awareness of Michele's custody schedule

Join us next week for part two of this conversation as we continue to explore the messiness and beauty of blended families.