Jeannie Lachman and Carole Sanguedolce are sisters. They didn’t know this, however, until well into adulthood. Two Peas in a Separated Pod, written by these two sisters, is written much like a family history. Alternating perspectives with each chapter, we get a glimpse into their actions and thoughts. We also learn, from their experience, how understanding, patience, and love bond families together.
Jeannie was placed with an adoptive family when she was born. Growing up, she knew she had been adopted. She never questioned the love her family had for her. She felt safe and like she belonged. Her family was her deepest treasure. And yet, as time went on, Jeannie began to wonder about her biological roots. She yearned for answers to questions that never seemed available.
Carole grew up a single child in a loving home. Despite wanting a sibling, she had a very close relationship with her parents and looked forward to spending time together as a family. She moved out and went to school, dated, and lived a pretty typical life . . . ups and downs, trials and joys. Carole never would have imagined gaining a sister so late in life.
After some time, Jeannie began to dig. She made phone calls, wrote letters, did all the investigative work that she could. Finally, she received some answers, and the day came when she met her birth mother. To her happy surprise, she also gained a sister. Carole and Jeannie quickly became fast friends. Since the day they met, they have stood by each other’s side . . . as sisters. Through celebrations and sadness, they have been there for each other.
This is their story.
I was fascinated as I read about these two women. I have a daughter who has ½ siblings out there. I hope that one day when we are able to reconnect with her birth mother, she will be able to meet her siblings. I hope that they can share a bond similar to Jeannie and Carole’s. At the least, I hope they find comfort in their kinship.
Jeannie and Carole’s story shows us the possibilities between siblings who are separated by adoption. I was happy to read how immediate their bond was and how their sisterhood transcended circumstances.
Perhaps one of the biggest lessons I learned from reading their story was that our hearts always find home. Jeannie’s heart was at the home she was raised in. She loved her family and cherished them. She always felt that was where she was meant to be. And still, her heart found her birth mother, sister, and eventually (spoiler alert!) many others from her birth family. She belonged with her birth family just as much as she belonged with her adoptive family. And her birth family, who never even knew she existed, was able to embrace her heart. Carole’s heart connected with her sister’s and they became one. They truly have always been two peas in a pod . . . just separated for a time.
