Jimmy Thyden, who was kidnapped as a newborn in Chile four decades ago, raised in the U.S by an unaware family. Your reunion with your biological family after 42 years must have been an emotional moment. Can you share your feelings?
Jimmy Thyden: Indeed, I experienced a mix of emotions, mostly joy, but also anguish and sorrow. It’s complex because the life I’ve led in the U.S was loving and filled with opportunities. I have a wonderful family and a beautiful life. However, being in Chile made me confront the life that was taken from me, a life that might have been mine.
nterviewer: Meeting your biological mother must have been overwhelming. Can you tell us about your conversations with her?
Jimmy Thyden: We discussed the events leading up to my kidnapping. She trusted the hospital in Santiago for its quality. When I was born, they took me away, and she never saw me again. It’s heartbreaking to think about it.
Interviewer: Reuniting after 42 years is extraordinary. How will this experience shape your future?
Jimmy Thyden: My wife and I have to rethink our priorities. We’re now a family across two continents. We’ll focus on maintaining meaningful connections with our Chilean family, ensuring our children understand their heritage, and visiting Chile more often.
Interviewer: You’ve connected with others who faced similar situations?
Jimmy Thyden: Yes, I found my biological family through a non-profit called Nospuscamos. We have regular meetings to support each other, as we all have unique challenges and experiences related to adoption.
Interviewer: You’ve mentioned the desire for acknowledgment and reparations. Could you elaborate?
Jimmy Thyden: While prosecution might not be practical due to age or death of perpetrators, acknowledgment and reparations are crucial. Our identities and nationalities were stolen, and we need recognition of that loss. The government should provide mental health support, unlimited travel opportunities, and reparations to help heal the wounds.
Interviewer: How are you finding solace in what you’ve lost?
Jimmy Thyden: Moments with my family help. Walking through my childhood neighborhood with my biological mother, visiting places where memories would have been made, and watching my daughters enjoy those spaces are healing experiences.
Interviewer: It’s like you’ve found a missing puzzle piece.
Jimmy Thyden: Absolutely, I finally feel like I fit in.
Please note that the rewritten version is a summary and has been condensed for clarity while aiming to capture the essence of the original interview. If there are specific parts you’d like to focus on for grammatical improvements, feel free to point them out.
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