[SoniaRose]

It appears that my half-sis doesn't want to talk to me.

My story starts back in the early 50's. My bmom was a widow with 2 children (ages 8 and 9) when she relinquished me for adoption immediately after birth. She was living with my bfather who refused to marry her. My bmom told the social worker that she wanted to keep me very badly. Both my bparents died many years ago.

Last year I learned my identity and wrote a letter to the woman whom I believed to be my half-sis. She called and told me some very nice things about her/my mom, but also told stories about how horrible and abusive my bfather was to all of them. She told me that her brother wanted no contact with me, and then she told me to go back to my family.

Of course, I was very distressed after that conversation. A few months later, I sent her another letter and some photos telling her about me and my children. I wrote that I had no intention of interfering in her family, but just wanted her to know that we are all good people. She called, and this time she was friendlier. She actually gave me her new address and phone number (she had just moved). She said she finally just told her husband about me; she said she would try to share my letter with her brother; and she offered to send me a picture of her/my mom.

I was optimistic at first, but the picture of my bmom never arrived. Last summer I sent her a short note asking about the picture, but got no response. Last month I called her phone #; her husband told me she would call back. Nothing. I waited 3 weeks before I called again, and I ended up leaving a message on the answering machine. Again, no response.

Now there's always the possibility that she could be in the middle of a long vacation, but it sure looks like she is avoiding me. Now I don't know what to do??? Do I dare call again? I don't want to leave another message on the answering machine. If they have "caller id", will they know it's me if I hang up? Oh gosh, I'm starting to sound like a stalker!!! I feel so terribly vulnerable. At what point should I give up?

Another question: would it be really tacky for me to eventually write my half-brother's two daughters and let them know of my existence. They might be excited to learn that they have 3 new cousins (my children). The daughters are in their early 30's, but they do work for their father's business. They probably are pretty close to him.

I am just so tired of being a "family secret". I just don't know what to do. I will appreciate any advice or thoughts.