I feel just like you. I love having new people in my life. I would have wanted to let everyone know I had a new family member. This was a very good video.
But she’s not a new family member, she’s estranged from her mother because of many things that have occurred in the past which his niece and sister are going to address on her channel. I’m happy for Alex that he’s met her but he should have kept this to himself and considered the feelings of others who are involved.
My father & sister are infuriated w/me because i found out that my father has another daughter who they don’t want to do anything about. I am so sad & shocked that they are reacting so selfishly. It has mad me so sad. Great video!
I was adopted, so I did 23andMe back in 2015, in 2021 I received a message from a half-sister. Turns out that our biological mother had passed away years ago, and she, and 2 other sisters, had been wondering/looking for me since then. They flew up to meet me within a week, including 2 nieces and a nephew ... and it's been positive since then, the who group of them have turned out to be awesome people that I'm so happy to be related to. I almost cried the first time I was called uncle, something I never expected when I thought I was an only child. Now I'm the oldest of four. It's definitely a life changing adventure.
7 years ago!!!! It seems like I've been watching your channel for only a couple of years. But the Potters house is where I first joined your channel. My, how time flies.
My husband's Amish Dad had a daughter we never knew about from his youth. Before he passed, he finally told us about her. We found her 3 weeks after he passed away 8 years ago. She looks more like Dad than the other 7 siblings! We live in northern Indiana and she lives in Tennessee. She is here visiting right now and we can't imagine life without her. She is such a blessing! ❤ Family is so important!
Alex, I am so sorry your aunt and Heather’s family treated you and her the way they did, but you are absolutely not responsible for other people’s behavior 💕
One of my mom's best friends knew she and her twin sister were adopted as toddlers. In her 60s she decided to see if there were other siblings, she thought there were. Every time I talked to my mom, her friend had found another sibling. 12 kids in all. The parents had kept and raised the older 6 but had put the younger 6, as they were born, up for adoption. 11 lived within 30 miles of each other. 1 lived in another state. The older 6 were old enough to remember their parents taking the younger children to the orphanage and leaving them for adoption. Since then most, including my mom's friend, have passed away but for 10-15 years, they got together regularly at one home or another.
Thanks to you I was brave enough to contact my siblings I discovered on Ancestry as well. We have met and are now getting acquainted with one another. 2 sisters, 1 brother.
My husband just found out he has a 53 year old daughter. She is a lovely woman, as well as her family. They have a wonderful relationship, and she has the Dad she never had as a child growing up. The man who raised her thought she was his daughter, and when he found out he wasn't he left. They never told her he wasn't her dad, but she never felt connected to him. I'm happy for my husband and what a great thing Ancestry is as otherwise they would have never found each other.
I have 4 half siblings. I had 2 full sisters but both have past. I also have a daughter that is 6 months older than my youngest half brother so yes, I get that funny feeling like you say when you think of how odd it is.
I was adopted and also discovered my bio dad was a very famous jazz guitarist during the swing era. Seems musicians were just as wild back in the day. I had 1 brother and 1 sister (so far). They are both gone now. I was the baby born in 1960. My father was born in Sicily in 1906! So I have a feeling more siblings might pop up. I never in my wildest dreams thought my father would be a musician. I eat and breath music since I was small. And being Italian? Never even considered it. I was adopted by a Jewish family and knew my bio mom was a German war bride. So assumed my father was at least half German but noooo. So proud to be more than 50 per cent Sicilian. I’m so blessed to be able to see videos of my father performing on RU-vid . And there’s plenty of newspaper articles about him and interviews. I feel like a real person with a blood family! I’m sure your feelings aren’t like those of an adopted child, but it’s still cool.mCongrats on your new found family member. I remember when you met your sister.
I have the ancestry dna box in front of me. My daughter got it for me for christmas but I have been too nervous to do it. I know I have an older half brother out there somewhere. I'm going to do this test today. Thanks Alex for giving me the confidence to go ahead. I hope I find him.
Good luck! My test let me know 1,053 'DNA Relatives' are out there among the people in their database. One was a first cousin nobody in my family knew about. I also learned I have more Neanderthal dna than 97% of 23andMe customers. My wife said "that explains a lot!"
I got my son the 23&me, he’s 27. He called me at 7:00am & said he has a half sister. I have 2 children, my son & 30 year old daughter. My ex husband has 2 other children from his second marriage. My son came to visit & broke the news to his father who was in shock. He fathered this child when he was 18 & never knew. It’s crazy the family these sites have brought together.
My mate did the DNA test - his dad was a US diplomate after WW2. Found siblings in Vienna, Norway, US and Peru, when the DNA was done dad, and moms were deceased. The only two that had issues were the US brothers, although they are good friends now. Two old alpha dogs, perhaps. Everyone keeps in touch through Facebook, have met one of the Norwegian sisters and US brother. I feel it all depends on your age group when you reach out to a newfound sibling. These people are in their 70's and 60"s, perhaps shock factor lessens with age.
The strange thing is that the people who are really not directly involved in it are the ones that cause the most problems. Your aunt is treating you as if it was your fault but it wasn’t. You are not responsible for what your father did. How you accept them and they accept you are the only issue and sounds like that hasn’t been a problem.
I don’t think his aunt has a problem with Alex finding unknown siblings, it’s more that he announced it on the internet before telling them or giving them time to process it.
@@lyndaf.6329 You might be right. Perhaps not in this case but some people strongly feel having a child out of wedlock is very shameful. So shameful that to cope, they want the reality forgotten or at least hidden. They never want to process it. Some will refuse to accept or acknowledge the truth because it challenges their understanding of family. Thankfully there are others who will embrace such situations and accept their new-to-you relative as a true blessing.
Hi Alex, I also had a very charming Dad and around the time you found your sibling, I found a sister too! Anything you did is not responsible for your sister's family's feelings. We had a similar situation with my sister. You did not cause the uproar, honestly the Mom did. years ago, with HER choices. Many people are surprised and mad that their indiscretions are coming out because of Ancestry. I agree though that was all a long time ago and had nothing to with you or your sister! Glad you found your siblings. You are such a kind soul and I hope none if this weighs on your heart any more!!
You are a very insightful, caring person. After my mom passed away, all my brother wanted was his inheritance. I reached out to him after 7 years and told him I loved him and apologized if I had in any way hurt him. Never heard from him again. Two and a half years later he passed away. I'm thankful I spoke to him. I pray you all get that family dinner.
I am my family's genealogy caretaker. You are spot on- it can be incredibly hard for some folks to accept the "misdeeds" of our ancestors. We have had nothing but happiness and joy in meeting not one but two new family members (and families) I know not everyone has that experience. I always say that the people who generated these situations in my family are gone and that allows us to welcome our new family without some of the hard dynamics that can be a part of those situations. I believe your ability to share this journey on RU-vid will allow people you will never meet to handle this situation in their own lives in the best way possible for a happy outcome. It is always my hope that family members don't wait until its too late to at least try to heal wounded relationship-even if that means setting boundaries- when its too late, its too late. Its so hard to live with regrets and what if's. IMHO. I can see this is weighing heavily on you. Praying for resolution.
I’m adopted and I love my family. Five years ago I found my bio family and now close to them too. Funny how they feel they missed out but I don’t feel that. I grew up with three brothers so for the first time in life, I’m 61, I had dinner with my 2 sisters and it was a blast. Wow what a dynamic. It was one of the best dinners ever! I wish you the best and I pray it all works out.
Been there. I was adopted. Searched and found. Mixed results, comings and goings. Don't take on the burden to sew the quilt together. Call it a crazy quilt and be happy with that. I'm a little older than you, so I can say that the chips will fall where they will. Don't wish for too much. I also have no full siblings. I have 5 half siblings, and one adopted one. My birth mother had 4 kids with 3 people. My birth father had two other children. He was in the Navy, he may have had more. I get it, Alex. I could write a book between all the birth family, adopted family drama! Just stick with those that want to be in your life. Therapy helps.
I am so pleased that you have been able to meet up with Nicole and her family, and here’s to an inclusive future. My Father caused a huge rift between my half sister and I, and it wasn’t until after his death, and twenty years since we”d last been in touch, that we finally made contact again. It was awkward and stilted at first, but she became the other half of my life, and I’d be very much the poorer for not having her in my life. I’m just so thankful that the bridges were built, and that I now have an extended family with my nieces and their families. We’re not on this earth for that long, we need to make the best of the time, and people are very important. Sending very best wishes to you all from the UK.
I've never understood people getting angry about things which happened before they were born or too young to have any influence. What I do know is love can be divided and it then multiplies . Once you find out you have an "extra" sibling just be open and welcoming. Children have NOTHING to do with their parent's decisions. Love is a dish best shared.
Alex, you are so blessed to have stable, emotionally sound, loving, and compassionate people. My family is the complete opposite. I rejoiced when some people in my life, left this earth, because that meant they wouldn't be emotionally abusing me anymore. The hurt and damage happened daily. There is no moving on from some singular hurt years ago, the hurt is on going. I want you to feel blessed, that everyone you meet is a reflection of you. I feel blessed that there are folks out there who make the world better.
Ancestry is fun! As more people are tested, my results continue to be refined. Plus, I keep getting notifications about more cousins all over the US and a few in other countries. Recently I got a notification that I had a very famous relative…turns out I have a somewhat distant cousin who is none other than The King himself, Elvis Presley. How cool is that!
My mom found out about a brother she didn't know she even had (she was raised with 2 brothers). The unknown brother knew about her all his life though! She was thrilled! They met when she was in her 70's! I was raised with half siblings, step siblings all my life, so it was not a weird thing to have!
This is quite timely. I have a daughter who lives in Bentonville, Arkansas. Or the immediate area. She works for the head quarters of Walmart. I live in Windsor, Ontario and have followed you for many years. Of all the places that you visited in Arkansas, it was interesting to hear where you were. My daughter hasn’t talked to me for about 15 years. I have heard that she is married and has two daughters. Family is sooo complicated. This was an inspiration. Thank you.
Heather and Steve in your life is a positive good thing.Other people not comfortable with it, is something they have to deal with. Everyone react to stuff differently, keep the love in your heart.
At one time you may have thought that this story was unique, but over time, the story is bigger and so much other's stories. I myself didn't know my dad had been married previously to my mother thill his passing in 2007. She told me he had been married previously twice and had a son, and one wife side the daughter was his but he didn't think it was. Then a few years later, my brother's wife reached out to me on Ancestry and within two weeks we met up (I live in Florida and he lived in Kentucky where I'm from and happen to be driving through his area to go pick up my daughter at the grandparents) I've introduced him to his living uncle. I share pictures and findings with him. Still working on the older sister. Now that mother is gone, it's nice knowing to have family to reach out.
This is so awesome! I also met family I didn’t know that live only 30-40 minutes from me for 2 decades now since I re-married and moved here. My 2nd cousin will turn 96y/o in several months; her son, my 3rd cousin(my Mom’s age), his wife & his daughter, my 4th cousin, all drove down & met me for brunch a year ago, this month. What a blessing knowing that I am now not alone here 4 hours from my family. Also, ~15 years ago, my Dad & his 6 living siblings discovered they had an older sister in Missouri. She was in her early 80s at the time. They visited over the phone for several years but never met. I’d love to meet her family, though! God bless you and your‘growing’ family!🎉
I think you may find that your second cousin's son is your second cousin once removed. And that your child is the third cousin of your second cousin's son. I'm pretty sure that's how it works. Google will confirm.
Alex, I can see how pained you are about all of this. We can’t change the past or those who created us, but we can be gracious, kind and loving, which you have done. Times are different, we don’t need to keep “family secrets” or perceived shame. You be you, your grace will rub off. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain by learning about our past and families. How lovely to learn that you are a part of something wonderful. My sister is very involved in ancestry and is finding relatives all over the world. We love how small we are in this life. God bless! ❤
Here I took a DNA test through ancestry. I really put in my mind I didn't belong in this family. I was switched at birth, adopted , something. I was always the black sheep and was treated badly. I didn't even look like my siblings. I took the test and when I got the results I cried for days.
Same here! I did the Ancestry dna test and turned up a half-brother. I also do the genealogy for my brothers etc etc. Enjoy you videos and think your family is great (wife & kids/relationships etc). Hang in there! It's up to the other people to decide the path forward.
Wow I can’t believe it’s been this long since your discovery of siblings. I started following you back when you had 20k subscribers approximately 6 months before Don passed away. I found your channel due to my love for cars, you were always in the bush looking for vintage cars. Happy things are going well with your new family. My dad was a WWII veteran a medic stationed in England at a army hospital. I used to tease him about did we have possible siblings in England, he would chuckle and laugh it’s possible. So far us three siblings submitted our DNA to different ancestry sites and no additional siblings 😂 😂😂obviously we weren’t looking, our intent was to see if each site was similar with our ancestry. And yes they were extremely correct. No surprises.
I really enjoyed the update on the siblings...can't wait to hear more. I love the respect you show for all involved. Continued blessings to you and the whole family.Thank you for sharing...I'm happy that I stumbled on your channel many years agoo.
🙋♀️❤️. Carrying a grudge is a burden. Forgiveness is a gift . There's a book called, Dont Sweat the Small Stuff..and It's All Small Stuff...The title alone is a huge lesson. BTW! I have a Wonder Surprise Brother!
Interesting story-only recently did I find your channel which I thought was about collecting other people’s things. Little did I know that you had this personal story developing.
It’s a generational shift;to my parents who were born in the 1920s a child out of wedlock was the most horrific thing : it was kept secret. That my mother had been married previously even though she was widowed was kept secret . There were lots of secrets at my high school. When people talk about the good old days they leave out that there was incest , rape and drug dealing going on, but it was all secret. It’s not talked about . Times have changed. I guess to the old style thinkers, the past generation it’s breaking a taboo.
My dad is 70 now always a party guy since the age of 14 he's got some pretty crazy stories he wasn't a nice guy either and is actually a missing persons of two years but im 43 i have a half sister from him we always knew about She did the dna test we found 4 more half siblings all younger then me from our dad we tried to reach out to them they all denied it said it was a scam or the wrong results from dna love the channel Alex been with you since the beginning
I was visiting my sister in Tennessee the last two weeks. I was talking with her and her wife about the town in Oklahoma you told us, your views, about. Of course I couldn't remember the name, but I grabbed my phone, looked up your video and *BAM!* I had the name! I can not say how much I appreciated you, your family and your RU-vid. Alexander, you are a wonderful source of information and this old lady wants to tell you that you are doing a good job!
Dear sir.... You are not alone.. I to have had a similar situation. Which stired up all kinds of drama. Dang what a deal that was. BTW I absolutely love the history of the items that you dig up
I loved the emotion throughout this video and was about to close out my comment when you mentioned the Legos. That was the best rationale for spending time as an adult I’ve ever heard!! Yep, I’m in my 70s, but Legos rock!!
I can see all the emotions on your face.. such a lovely, loving person you are.. always enjoy your videos. We currently live in AR, the area you visited.. so glad you were able connect with family while you were here. So sorry about the tornado 😉. We are all doing what people do in recovery. Hope you return soon.
Alex your reflections and family concerns/point-of-views are spot on and reflects mature enlightenment and truth seeking. You and Melissa are fantastic parents and stable family!
I have two half-sisters- one was born when I was 15, and I was out of the house at 16- soon after another half-sister was born. I'm very close now to the sister who was born after I left, not close to the other one- she's MEAN to both of us! LOL. It's very interesting to hear of the similarities of interests between Steve and your dad- I really like your relaxed attitude and I'm sorry that other family struggled with that. Maybe your aunt was embarrassed because she thought your dad's behavior badly reflected on his character. I don't think like that, so I think your characterization of it (that hippie musician nomad thing) is right on the mark, and no biggie. We must evolve and just be accepting of people.
Alex, you have such a beautiful soul and spirit. I could see the heartfelt emotion as you spoke. I'm so happy for you that you were able to connect with your niece, and Heather and Steve. I'm sorry for your Aunt, she is missing out. But the door is open, which is saying more than you know. Some would slam it shut but you have not. Reading through the comments, so many have had similar experiences. My first cousin, who was very dear to me passed in 2018. Her son and her brother did DNA testing through Ancestry and discovered that her Dad was not her biological Dad. She loved her Dad so much and would have been devastated to learn that he was not her bio-dad. My aunt was only a couple of months along when they married; and she may not even have known she was pregnant. But seven months later, my cousin was born. They went on to have two sons and made a lovely life together as a family. It was only after my aunt passed away that love letters were found from both her father and the other man who also loved her. My aunt chose the right man for her and kept the secret of the possibility of the other man being the father to her grave. And that was in 1946.
I am glad you got to meet another family member. It is sad though that her relationship with her mom Heather has been challenged & they haven’t been in each other’s lives for a few years. Praying their relationship can be healed sooner than later. 🙏❤️
Aww, I could see the emotions on your face, Alex. At one point I thought you were going to burst into tears, and I remember thinking that you should pause and go have a good cry, happy tears, or sad tears, or both. Crying is a good release. So happy that your family seems to be slowly mending fences. Hugs to you and your family!
Originally from Alberta but 32 years on Vancouver Island: I met my sister 7 years ago also! Maternal sister (in Alberta) and 6 months later I met my paternal brother and then sister, both in the U.S. Having them in my life has done nothing but enrich ❤❤❤ My sister and I had daughters only months apart while we unknowingly lived only a few miles apart. It's a crazy ride.
I hope they put things aside and just be together. I lost my sister this week. Wish she would have just put things aside and just accepted the love. I will miss her. I loved her very much. ❤ hugs from a far.
I get it. Went looking for missing oldest sibling. Found her. It’s good but there is something o cannot put my finger on and figure out. She got a lot of stuff she probably never thought about and I got my sister. Still more growth I think that can happen. I wish you the absolute best and continue to enjoy your new found family.
I found a half-brother via Ancestry. His daughter, my niece, asked him to test because, like you, she wanted to know her ethnicity. Plus, her father knew he was adopted and knew nothing about his bio family. Unfortunately, he’s still very bitter about being given up for adoption, isn’t interested in knowing about our family, and hasn’t ever spoken to me. I exchanged emails and texts with my niece for a short time, but we’ve lost contact. I’m also estranged from a (younger) sibling. I’ve tried to connect with her several times, to no avail, so I’m leaving it up to her at this point. I’m not too hard to find on social media.
It's all your aunt's loss!!! Some people are just not reasonable and stubborn and you just have to let them be because you need to do the things that you need to do and be happy!!! I am so happy that you have found other siblings for yourself and for your family and you are a very wonderful person You your wife your children and don't worry about your aunt or anybody else's feelings You're an amazing person a very welcoming person and mostly a very positive person as well so just do and keep doing what you're doing and be happy always be happy and enjoy your family extended family etc.
I have a very large family - both sides have siblings, half siblings, step siblings, a whole bunch of people who are "relatives" but not really. It's so wonderful to know all these people. Most of us get along, some better than others, but at least "hi!". (up in your neighborhood - good people/half-cousins? - who live in Lethbridge). You know what the best part of all this is? I can go almost anywhere and have family to visit.
So very heart wrenching. What a blessing finding and meeting those who were missing in your life. Pray your Aunty softens her heart a little, because time is short, too short for regrets. Thank you for sharing, Alex...We here in Vancouver have been water logged with rain, but sunny days are coming for your visit ♥
It is hard to believe that it has been 7 years since you cleaned out the Potter House. You have come so far. I learned of a half sister nearly 40 years ago. I have met her, and would love to have a relationship with her, but unfortunately, that has not been the case. I am glad it has worked out for you and you lost siblings.
I can't be the only one who likes to listen to you talk. Also for me, I have to remind myself that you can only control myself. And not other people,if they don't want to talk to you. For whatever the reason it is, you just have to go on. And do your best. I don't know if I could get sick of you, you are full of variety.😊
Good ramble Alex 😊 I was adopted and I have an older 1/2 sister in Scotland 🏴 and 3 younger 1/2 sisters in W Australia 🇦🇺 We all got together for a family wedding in Australia 10 years ago and I met all my nieces and nephews. Who knew! The more the merrier! I am in Ottawa Ontario 🇨🇦
Yes, I agree with you in that the past is the past. Do not carry that heavy baggage. Drop it off along the highway and move on down the highway if life(!) to get to a better place (town(!). Live/experience all that you can in life. But that is certainly easier said than done for some more so than others (me - Trust issues). Hopefully time will continue to heal. If we have done what we can, it is now out of your control. It is easier for me to preach than to actually do what preach!🙏 Thank you for sharing. Sharing is healing.
Have to tell you how much I enjoyed this video. You are always so positive. We need more of your outlook on life. Love that you value older things and enjoy returning them to being useful items. Looking forward to the upcoming videos. I hope that the peace and love and sharing you put out are returned to you tenfold.
You are a great character and ambassador to the future of possibilities. You are an open hearted really good person and anyone that is in your life is so fortunate and blessed as they are such lucky people as well as you are. Keep your positive attitude because it really does make a huge difference. You are a remarkably kind and genuine person anyone could know to any degree. You have proven throughout all these years the extreme importance of family is to you. Thank you as it is an enormously beautiful endeavor and you are admired . Love who you are and never disappointed in any way ...Bless your entire family. . I have learned how important it is to keep your door of hope open to the future.
I grew up in 60s & 70s. Johnny Appleseed's got nothin' on the seeds sown by the decade of free love! DNA is undeniable. It's only a problem when people try to keep secrets.
@knuckles2951 well... no..there was a price to pay. Aids being the biggest. My generation was uneducated due to hush standards of parents who did the same thing but kept things swept under the rug...hence sending their pregnant cohorts " to visit great Aunt Doris out west" so they dropped kids & put them up for adoption. They just didn't have DNA analysis to get caught. Simply arguing that the blue eyed, Blond hair off spring of Italian Aunt Doris was an anomaly. DNA answers a lot of questions & mostly uncovers the secrets that used to go unanswered for generations of the past. I don't judge. DNA is not a life sentence to endure toxic relationships. Even Alex laments that in his troubled relationship with his brother. You can't choose DNA but you can choose healthy relationships. . blood or otherwise.
Alex thanks for sharing all your thoughts, feelings and experiences with your family. You are a kind, sweet, lovely soul. I have been working on letting the past go and rebuilding relationships with some family. Boy is it challenging. As you said, life is short . I have lost so many family members. I have decided I no longer care who was right or wrong. I decided to set boundaries so I don’t get hurt again and move on. It has had its ups and downs but to my surprise it is working. It has not been easy. I too have been on ancestry to learn about my dad’s family. My dad passed when I was 18. He was a dear man but now I know why I didn’t know about his family. Unfortunately, I found some disturbing facts about his immediate family. Anyway, I’m old enough to be your aunt but if you ever appeared as a relative on ancestry I would invite you to California in a hot minute. Take Care❤😊
Their relationships are not yours to heal that is something they have to do on their own. You part is just to let them you care about them and would like to be part of their life in the way that works for them. Be happy to have met your niece and had a wonderful time meeting her a starting to get to know her. Your are a kind and loving soul enjoy what you have.
I saw a young woman on the train today travelling from Leeds UK and I was thinking I'd seen her before, then I realised she was a doppelganger for your daughter it was spooky! If I'd been travelling with one of my sisters I'd have gotten them to ask her for a pic to prove it lol.
I found out who my biological father was at age 59. He died before I could meet him. I also found that those I grew up with were all half siblings. I have a new half-sister. I also had another half-brother, but he also died before we met. If my bio mother had told me I could've met both as well as my grandmother, I was an adult when they all died. I understand what Heather felt not being able to meet her biological father. Your aunt is the reallying missing out. I have the same situation with one of my halfsister as you do with your older half-brother. I have been a viewer since you purchased your old grocery store. Thank you for sharing your journey. Hugs
Hello Alex. Thank you for sharing your story. I have been looking for family on my grandfathers side (my mothers side) via his father, my grategranddad. I’ve contacted a son of the half brother of my granddad without any reaction. Your talk makes me want to try again because I can feel that there is still a longing to meet up with that part of the family. Healing is still needed. Thank you so much for what you bring… with loving kindness Beatrijs Van Huyck/daughter of Nathaly
Compared to mine, your situation is fine. Since my son's dad passed away, I have found that we are related in several ways. We are related on 2 sides of my family. Every time I open an email from Ancestry I am getting another common relative that we share. At first I just laughed and thought that he would turn over in his grave if he knew. Now it is like "OMG another common relative. If my son was a live, I am sure that he would just laugh and think "WOW, I'm more Finnish then I thought". You can't change the past.....
Family is complicated. Its sad. Different beliefs. Different childhoods. I wish my siblings and i could be closer. Sometimes its the spouses. So glad you had a great time. Happy for you and your niece.
Gosh, are we related!? Similar as found I had an half brother born in California. He was a musician and died in Newport, Oregon in 1970's. It was his son's mother's friend that was helping my half nephew find out more about his traveling father. It was a process and took both Ancestrydna and 23&Me to confirm. My half nephew declined communication. So appreciate it as he was 4 when biologically dad passed away. Half nephew's ex-wife in contact and we jokingly refer to me as bonus donor should the need arrives. Wowse what a journey. Greetings from Oklahoma. Episode on Fairfax was super! Many of my friends worked on the film.
I think you have done a great job keeping your priorities in balance. I recall all your videos from the early days of this journey. I searched since 1973 for my half brother. His daughters reached out via an Ancestry post I made when they first started. He passed away the day he was scheduled to leave Missouri to come meet me in Arizona. Life Happens and Bravo for sharing your process. It can be a difficult experience for some. Keep it going. Some of us become a scapegoat for others' wounded psyches. Having boundaries when we are open to having a broad life can be challenging. Many simply cannot bear their own emotional pain so have to kill the messenger to cope with their denial. It is healthy to be able to make the sometimes hard decisions to put the welfare of your own immediate family first. We all just do the best we can do when we do them.
I can't believe it's been over seven years since you first found out about Heather. I've been watching your channel since before that. I might have commented back then about how my father first found out that he had three older half-siblings when his father passed away. It was surreali for him to discover that. He only got to meet his sister in person once and that was a very emotional meeting ( one brother had already passed and another choose not to meet him in person). My father grew up in the same area they were as an only child.
