So That's Who I Am (Paperback or Softback)

Chauncey Smith had loving, attentive parents and a safe, nurturing home. But he knew a piece of him was missing--a relationship with his biological parents. Adopted as an infant, Chauncey was raised with the importance of Family and Faith. But it wasn't until adulthood, when Chauncey set out on a quest to locate his biological mother and father, that he truly understood this.

At times joyous, at times heartbreaking, Chauncey's journey included his adoptive parents and siblings, friends, and biological family members who didn't even know who he was. His determination to make peace with his past culminated in an experience readers won't be likely to forget.

Written for those raised by their biological parents as well as adoptees, So That's Who I Am sheds light on what it's like to be adopted and provides a relatable yet unique story sure to resonate with other adoptees. Regardless of their backgrounds, however, readers will learn that adoptees didn't have a choice: our first inheritance was abandonment. We are simply different--neither better nor worse--and we can find healing in this journey.

I have known Chauncey for over 20 years now. There are people that you meet along this crazy journey of life and you say “yep, we get each other.” Our conversations began really when Don and I adopted our youngest child, who is now 21. Chauncey was adopted as well, and had just begun to find pieces of his story in the way of getting more information about his biological family. And this intrigued me. I wanted to know everything. Not just for our youngest son, but for my husband Don as well, who was adopted too.
As I began to see Chauncey’s story unfold, I was one of his biggest cheerleaders. We all need to know where we’ve come from, so that we know where we can go.
I’m quite thrilled that Chauncey has written his story down for generations to come—which is important. But to see the story unfold inside of Chauncey has been a joy and privilege as one of the friends honored enough to walk along side him.
Thank you my friend, for sharing your story. We are all better
because of it.
— Sandi Patty