Out of Obscurity: How One Simple Question Can Transform Your Family Story

What if the most powerful question you could ask your family members was simply, "How is your world?"

For filmmaker Camlyn Giddins, watching her father Kevin ask this question has become a masterclass in family connection. As she stood behind her camera lens documenting a remarkable family reunion, she witnessed how this simple question could bridge decades of separation and heal generational wounds.

Kevin, who grew up as one of 35 foster children in his childhood home, always knew there were missing pieces to his story. What neither father nor daughter knew was how finding those pieces would transform not just their lives, but the lives of an entire extended family they had yet to meet.

When DNA Becomes a Bridge

Sometimes the most powerful family stories begin with a simple suggestion from a friend. For Kevin Giddins, that moment came when my producer, Lisa Elzey asked, "Hey, you ever think about doing a DNA test?" Little did he know that spitting in a tube would set in motion a journey that would change everything.

"I've been praying every December 17th... that wherever my son is in the world, that he would be protected."

Standing on a street in Boise, Idaho, Kevin heard the voice of his biological mother for the first time. An AncestryDNA match to a cousin led Kevin to her.  When he shared his birth date, she knew instantly that he was who he said he was.  What followed wasn't just about genetic matches and family trees—it was about healing wounds that had existed for decades, about discovering shared love for music, food, and even the same favorite colors.

"Life is beautiful... and it's short, but we should live it."

Kevin’s mother's guidance to live unapologetically and fully has become a transformative force in his life, showing how connecting with our roots can give us permission to grow in new directions.

The Whole Story

Haven't listened to the episode yet? Take a moment to listen to Kevin and Camlyn’s story here:

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🎧 Listen to the full episode to discover:

• The emotional first phone call between Kevin and his mother, Jacqueline Deborah Giddins
• How Camlyn captured their first family meeting through her filmmaker's lens
• The discovery of shared family traditions around food, music, and playing cards
• The healing journey of bringing hidden family stories into the light
• The powerful legacy of asking deeper questions and creating intentional family connections

The Power of One Story

What makes Kevin and Camlyn's story so compelling isn't just the discovery of biological family—it's how they've used that discovery to create new traditions while honoring old ones. As Camlyn puts it, "What would it be like if families just talked like this on a regular basis about what's happening in our internal world?"

Their story reminds us that family history isn't just about the past—it's about creating a foundation for deeper connections in the present and future. Sometimes, the simple act of asking "How is your world?" can open doors to conversations that transform relationships.

Your Story

Think about the questions you ask your family members. Are they surface-level check-ins, or do they invite deeper sharing? Consider how you might create space for more meaningful conversations in your own family gatherings. Remember, as Kevin points out, "There are people in your family that are missing... either hurt, feeling alone. And by doing your history, discovering those family members, you're bringing people out of obscurity."

Story Seeds 🌱

Plant these conversation starters and watch your family stories grow.

1. "What family tradition means the most to you, and why do you think our family started doing it?"
2. "Can you tell me about a time when you felt most connected to your family heritage?"
3. "What's a family story you wish someone had asked your parents or grandparents about?"

Story Sparks 🔑

Unlock your family's hidden stories with these research techniques.

1. Take a look at your AncestryDNA Match List.  (This is how Kevin found his first connection to his biological mother.)  Do you recognize the top 20 matches on your list?  Do you know who they are and how they fit into your family tree?
2. Create a family interview project, recording conversations with different generations about their lives and experiences.
3. Set aside regular time for family story sharing, whether it's over a meal, during game night, or through modern technology.

Remember, every family has stories waiting to be discovered, and every person has a voice waiting to be heard.

"Genealogy is not just for old people who are retired... it's for all of us. Finding family members who may be missing, feel alone, because they will, in turn, give you power, give you strength, give you insight into who you are and where you're going."

Let's start asking deeper questions. Let's start sharing our stories. Because the stories that live in us are meant to be shared.

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