In this first episode of 2025, I had the honor of virtually sitting down with Cosimo Naldi, an Ethiopian adoptee raised and living in Italy. This conversation was raw, emotional, and deeply eye-opening. Cosimo’s story goes beyond adoption—it’s about survival, identity, and the complex layers that shape adoptee experiences. It’s not defined by trauma alone; it’s also about how love can be a solution, because amor vincit omnia, or “love conquers all,” which is not only Cosimo’s favorite phrase but also the title of a painting by one of my favorite artists, Caravaggio. Born in 1999 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Cosimo shared his early experiences growing up on the streets with his brother after their aunt couldn’t care for them. His childhood was marked by trauma—stealing food to survive, dodging the police, and even being held in jail as a young child. Eventually, his aunt placed him and his brother in an orphanage, which he described as feeling more like a prison, filled with neglect and corruption. Despite the darkness, he found ways to cope, developing an ability to read people’s emotions—a survival skill that still serves him today. At eight years old, Cosimo was adopted by an Italian couple. He remembers the moment he met them vividly—his father’s tears, his mother’s short haircut—and the surreal experience of suddenly being thrust into a new world. But life in Italy wasn’t the “heaven” he’d imagined. Adjusting to material comforts, learning to “be a child” after years of forced adulthood, and struggling to trust his new family were all part of his journey. We talked about how he eventually formed strong bonds with his adoptive parents, who he’s grown to love deeply as they earned his trust and became a constant source of support over the years. Cosimo also formed strong connections with other important people in his life, like his babysitters, who became like family and introduced him to Italian culture through music. School brought its own challenges—learning a new language, trying to fit in—but over time, he discovered a love for literature and poetry. Perhaps the most profound part of our conversation was Cosimo’s reflection on identity. Growing up, he tried to distance himself from his Ethiopian roots to fit in, leaving him feeling disconnected and lost—an experience many adoptees can relate to. His story is a powerful reminder of the silent battles adoptees face when it comes to belonging, identity, and healing from past wounds. This episode speaks to the real, unfiltered adoptee experience—beyond the surface-level narratives we often hear. Cosimo’s resilience, honesty, and insight left me deeply moved—I know it will do the same for you. Because truly, amor vincit omnia. Part two of our conversation drops next week. You don’t want to miss it.   xoxo - Lidet