[bothsides]

Well, for those of you that have kept up with my search, I've now found most of my birth family. I have used many resources and the kind help of strangers to track things down. Over the past few weeks a couple of people suggested I look more into a particular person. I had been trying to track down her address with no luck (and I've gotten really good at searching). Turns out she had just moved back home near her family.

I got a couple of emails from search friends on 12/18 that this woman had passed away on 12/17. On 12/19 I got up the nerve and called one of her sisters. After talking to her and another sister we confirmed that dates and other info matched up and that my birth mother had just passed away. Her service was on 12/20. Although I live half way across the country I spent several hours trying to find a plane ticket to get back there for the service. Eventually I did find one and flew over night and made it in time for the service. I attended the service anonymously except for the couple of sisters that knew I was going to be there. They didn't want to keep me a secret though so after the service they brought family members a couple at a time into another room and introduced me to them.

It could not have gone any better and my new family could not have been anymore welcoming. After the service we all went to one of my aunt's homes and talked for awhile and took a few pictures.

In a few minutes I am heading out to dinner with some of my new family. It's going so great so far. I know things will calm down but I'm just enjoying the moment right now. I hope to meet with some more family tomorrow before I head back home for the holidays.

It's been bittersweet with the passing of my birth mother and the addition of so many new family members into my life. I am just so grateful to finally have this happen. I have a new brother, sister, aunts, an uncle, grandmother, grandfather and many, many cousins and other family. I will post more when I get back home but wanted to share this with all of you.

Happy Holidays!!

[Dickons]

I'm sorry your mother passed before getting to meet her, my situation was the same. I am very pleased that her family has opened there hearts to you so you have some good news.

Kind regards,
Dickons

[cetalley]

BOTHSIDES, I too, offer my sincerest , heartfelt,condolences. My father used to say..everything happens for a reason, I just have a hard time figuring out hte reasons! You must be exstatic to have found family, that have opened their hearts and homes for you. Family can be like a library, you will learn so much I am sure. Blessings, and Happy Holidays..C.J.

[kelley1970]

So very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, that is really a shame. I do believe though in my heart that she knew you were there and that was so very wonderful of you to go for the service. I cant pretend to know how you feel right now, but I am so very happy for you that you have other family members there for you!! I hope that you all continue to get to know each other and develop a strong relationship - its an interesting situation of both sorrow and incredible happiness, my thoughts are with you *hug*

[bothsides]

Well, I have had a couple of weeks for everything to sink in now. What an experience. It hasn't been easy but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I've really hit it off with a couple of my new family members. Today was an amazing day. I talked to my 11 year old sister in Florida for the first time. She is excited to have a big brother. Everything is new for all of us and I am trying not to rush anything and just let the reunion process happen on it's own. I definitely want to go back and visit everyone sometime this year though. It's nice talking on the phone and sending emails but nothing compares to our short time together in person. I also sent a letter to my birth father today. We'll see if I hear back or not. I'll let you know. The biggest one left for me now though is my daughter. I tried again to contact her mother so we'll see if she responds this time. Overall, things are falling into place and that whole is being filled now. Thank you all for your support.

[SuddenlySusan]

Bothsides... reunion is indeed bittersweet. I am so happy that you are finding the missing pieces of your life. Take good care of yourself...

Best wishes,
Susan