A touching Reddit story from 37-year-old David Keniston has captivated many, recounting his remarkable journey from a Thai orphanage to a loving family.
Born on April 7, 1987, in Bangkok, David was abandoned at birth and spent his early years at Pakkred Babies’ Home. Unbeknownst to him, his biological brother was just on the other side of the orphanage.
David Keniston
After discovering that adoption programs in India were closed, David’s parents sought to adopt in Thailand in 1988. The orphanage eventually informed them in 1989 that David could only be adopted with his younger brother.
In February 1991, David’s mom, grandma, and aunt traveled to Thailand, bringing the brothers to Portland, Oregon. David documented their journey on Reddit, where he shared adorable throwback photos. Interestingly, despite being with family he barely knew, David felt at ease. He wrote, “I loved every new thing I saw, so much that it worried my parents. I would hug strangers and even dogs—only ladybugs scared me!”
David Keniston
In contrast, David’s brother struggled to adapt and often cried during their initial years in America. The brothers formed a close bond yet battled attachment issues stemming from their early abandonment. David expressed in his post that he saw their abandonment as an opportunity for a better life, complicating his ability to attach deeply to others.
“Our conflicting views on abandonment initially kept us apart, but we eventually found our way back to each other,” he shared.
Today, David copes with lifelong anxiety through activities like hiking, astrophotography, and writing. He is also exploring new hobbies such as painting and crafting pop-up greeting cards.
A memorable trip back to Thailand in 2006 saw the brothers reconnect with their roots. David recalled, “We returned to our orphanage, and my brother’s caretaker recognized him by his Thai name. It was a heartwarming reunion.”
For David, the essence of family transcends blood relations. “Family is whoever cares about you,” he emphasizes, truly embodying the spirit of connection beyond mere genetics.