I decided to take an Ancestry test in 2017, so I spit into a test tube and sent it away. I was adopted and wanted to see how Irish I was and what else might be in my mix. Several weeks passed, I got the results, and I canceled my membership.
I spit. I sent. I’m 96% Irish. The end.
Ha! The universe decided to add a few more acts to this drama. Almost 2 years later, on December 30th, I checked my email, and there, staring back at me, were 3 inbox messages from Ancestry.
“Hi, I’m working on my family tree, and I see that you and I are closely related. I was wondering if you could help me figure out our relationship. I was adopted through Catholic Charities of Maryland in 1957 and have been searching for my birth family for about 30 years. The records are still court-sealed in MD, so it’s been difficult. I’ve had an amazing life and was placed with a wonderful Mom, who lives with me and is 90 now, and a great Dad, who passed in 1990. I also have an adopted brother. You and I are very closely related according to Ancestry ~ in fact, you’re my second-highest match! I would love to communicate further with you. Sincerely, Julie”
“Hey Regina, I am reaching out to you because I think you are my first cousin. I didn’t even know you existed until about 5 years ago. I think you are my age 51-52? I would love to speak to you. We are having a family reunion in Cherry Hill, NJ, and you have a lot of blood relatives who would love to meet you. Thanks for your consideration. Lorraine”
“Hello Regina. According to Ancestry, we are first cousins. Not sure if you are interested in knowing more about your biological family, but if you are, I can give you any information you want to know. Sincerely, George”
I can only use one word to describe my reaction… “gobsmacked!” Followed closely behind by “skepticism.” My first thought was, “Is this a scam?!” Then, after rereading the messages, I thought, “How does George know I was adopted? That information isn’t even on Ancestry.”
Rewind to the year 1995.
At that time, I had looked into finding my birth family and received some limited information from the adoption agency. I was given my mother’s first name and told she had a family with 4 children. I was 27, happy with my life, and was concerned about any possible drama, so I decided not to pursue a meeting. I simply closed that door.
But after receiving the messages from Ancestry, I decided to message them back and find out more. Julie, Lorraine, George, and I went back and forth, asking MANY questions. We continued to message back and forth, and I finally found the courage to call and speak with two of them.
After more messages and a few more conversations, I found out that Julie was my half-sister. A half-sister I didn’t even know existed! She was also given up for adoption 10 years before I was born. I was in shock!
Lorraine and George are my half-cousins. They informed me that I actually have 43 cousins! Many live in the Philadelphia area.
On January 6th, I met Julie, my half-sister, which was incredible. I expected the meeting to be a bit uncomfortable – I was super nervous and even on guard. But instead, I saw her and felt this instant connection. It was honestly the weirdest, most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced. When we saw each other, she hugged me and said, “I’ve been looking for you for 30 years… I can’t believe I found you.” She and I just cried in each other’s arms.
I’ll be meeting my other half-sisters this weekend. To be continued…
Life is a wonder that never ceases to amaze me.
Thank you for sharing the adoption story! It was wonderful . I cried tears of joy for Regina!
Thank you for sharing the adoption story! It was wonderful . I cried tears of joy for Regina!
View lessThank you Liz. It’s been amazing!
Thank you Liz. It’s been amazing!
View lessI was just yesterday complaining about the constant stream of pessimism we see on the nightly news. This was a lovely, engaging story, thank you for sharing it. All the best to you and your new family.
I was just yesterday complaining about the constant stream of pessimism we see on the nightly news. This was a lovely, engaging story, thank you for sharing it. All the best to you and your new family.
View lessThank you!
Thank you!
View lessSo glad you had a happy ending. I too am adopted and have a half brother out there somewhere. I did meet my birth mom and she was great but passed away 2 years later. I am still in constant contact with my birthmom’s sister and family.
So glad you had a happy ending. I too am adopted and have a half brother out there somewhere. I did meet my birth mom and she was great but passed away 2 years later. I am still in constant contact with my birthmom’s sister and family.
View lessI’m happy you found your birth mother. You may find your half brother someday, never too late! Juile is 62!
I’m happy you found your birth mother. You may find your half brother someday, never too late! Juile is 62!
View less43 cousins and a half sister! Amazing! Thanks for sharing your beautiful, uplifting story…such a treat during these dreary January days. You’ll need to post an update after your reunion!
43 cousins and a half sister! Amazing! Thanks for sharing your beautiful, uplifting story…such a treat during these dreary January days. You’ll need to post an update after your reunion!
View lessI sure will Kate! 🙂
I sure will Kate! 🙂
View lessThank you for sharing. I love your writing and your stories.
Thank you for sharing. I love your writing and your stories.
View lessHi. I loved your story. Thank you for sharing. Made me cry. You’re such a great writer.
Hi. I loved your story. Thank you for sharing. Made me cry. You’re such a great writer.
View lessYou’re so sweet, thanks for your note.
You’re so sweet, thanks for your note.
View lessGreat story Regina!
So happy you have found new family!
Wow!!
Great story Regina!
View lessSo happy you have found new family!
Wow!!
Thank you Anne!
Thank you Anne!
View lessWhat a beautiful story, Regina. This just warmed my heart. I smiled as I read it while tears of joy welled up in my eyes. You are truly blessed to discover this additional family at this time in your life. The connection you described is amazing.
What a beautiful story, Regina. This just warmed my heart. I smiled as I read it while tears of joy welled up in my eyes. You are truly blessed to discover this additional family at this time in your life. The connection you described is amazing.
View lessThanks Kathleen. It’s been an amazing experience.
Thanks Kathleen. It’s been an amazing experience.
View lessOMG Regina, this is truly amazing. Congratulations… You can never have enough sisters right! Enjoy meeting them all. This made me cry happy tears!!
OMG Regina, this is truly amazing. Congratulations… You can never have enough sisters right! Enjoy meeting them all. This made me cry happy tears!!
View lessThanks Chris! Never had sisters! Just a few soul sisters!
Thanks Chris! Never had sisters! Just a few soul sisters!
View less🙂
🙂
View lessWhat a wonderful story!
My step-sister, also adopted, had a similar experience. In her 55th year of life she finally met her birth family through Ancestry. They had been looking for her for years!
What a wonderful story!
My step-sister, also adopted, had a similar experience. In her 55th year of life she finally met her birth family through Ancestry. They had been looking for her for years!
View lessAncestry is truly amazing. Thanks for your comment.
Ancestry is truly amazing. Thanks for your comment.
View less