Storytime: I Never Met My Biological Father 

Alina your life story is so common in your home country and it’s so sad. My wife is from Ukraine and had same situation in her life. She had baby girl and her ex husband walked out when she was 2. My wife had very tough life raising her daughter on her own with little or no help. I met her when her daughter was 8 and we married and I took her daughter as my own. She doesn’t know her real father and doesn’t care because I’m Dad to her. You have a real man that loves you as his own daughter so you are blessed!

Thumbs up for Gordon, he’s done a good job with you, bless him 👍🏻

Most men can be a Father - but not every father can be a Dad. In my humble opinion, It takes a VERY SPECIAL Man, or Women, to love, care and raise someone else's child. YOUR ADMIRATION, RESPECT AND GRATITUDE IS SHOWN IN YOUR TEARS, AND CLEARLY TOUCHES YOUR HEART. Before telling us, I assume you expressed your feelings to your Dad - but if not, NOW is a good time.

Thank you for sharing your heart ❤️ 💜 💙 You are so beautiful both inside and out. - Bern

I think this is one of the most profound videos of selfless sharing to help others I have ever seen. Alina, you are an incredible lady.........

My husband left the family when our son was 5. Alina, believe it or not it is actually better for you that you do not remember your biological dad because it is quite painful for a child to go from one home to another even on the weekends. Divorce traumatizes children, they suffer the most especially if they have connection with both parents and love them both. I am glad you understand how lucky you are that you were raised by a wonderful, caring step-dad just like my son has been by his step-dad since age 6. At that age you don't even remember clearly how this new parent came into your life, you just love him unconditionally and know that this person will never betray you, will always be there for you. This is all that matters really.

Made me tear up hearing your story. So glad you have such a wonderful dad, Gordon, who cherished you and brought u up to be the beautiful person you are. I love the attitudes and outlook you have on life.

My brother and myself grew up in a Christian orphanage, my mom and her family always made sure to portray my dad and his family are bad guys, he died when I was in 12 th grade, I didn't cry at his funeral, I felt so indifference towards my father. Now I'm a 30 year old man, recently came to Ontario as a new immigrant, I miss my dad and began to understand my dad was not someone my mother's family made me to believe. I completely understand you. Stay blessed Alina.

Gordon wins big time ! , for getting to know you as his daughter . I hope to see more episodes with you and your dad . I met my dad when i was 17, and got to know my mother in my 20's , somewhat . I had a good childhood without them , and it was just " my normal ", and I didn't feel like i was missing anything .

Alina, I have appreciated this intimate sharing of your life experience. You have shown immense growth and compassion, understanding and forgiveness from the pain of parents splitting up and one leaving completely. I am from Kinistino and met your father-Gordon a number of years ago. He and your mother have been loving cornerstones in your life! Thank you. Dennis Nowoselsky

Thank you for sharing this, Alina. My father left our family of 5 forever when I was 8, and as the oldest, I certainly suffered my share of trauma. I learned too that my father was a covert narcissist and thought that it was best for the family that he remain absent and non-communicative. My mom raised us on her own and never remarried, so we felt the burden of caring for HER at times (another type of trauma). Trauma leaves lifelong pain that can only be managed with good therapy, self care, and by finding comfort within a healed self. I too traveled the world for decades in search of learning more about others and myself, and it indeed helped me. And once I found my life's work as a teacher, I felt at home. Currently for support, in addition to daily meditation and prayer, I watch and learn from the "Crappy Childhood Fairy" channel with Anna on yt. She offers a fuller understanding of the decisions made and will make in our past, present and near future among those who have suffered trauma. All the best on your journey. You have been blessed with a loving step father and courageous mother. Congratulations! Love and light.

You just shared my story concerning my father coming from Ukraine in 1952 through Ellis Island, USA In 1952. Your share was so powerful and I feel so proud of you. I traveled the world for decades but age has caught up with me. But, with you , I can still travel through your videos.

This story was very sincere and told very Russian. Alina, don't cry - we love you!

This is a great story. Thank you for telling us about your life.

This touched me. Another prospective. I am an alienated single Dad. I have struggled extensively to see and have a relationship with my son. Hugs. Mike.

I really admire your work and the fact that you visit Colombia a lot. I was born in the States and my parents, which are colombian, brought me here since i was eight. I lived almost the same experiences you had in Canada. We have a lot in common and i am glad to make contact with you. God bless you, Alina, and take care❤

Alina, stories like yours need to be told. Thanks for having the courage to tell it. It's an inspiration to all of us to not just hear the tragedy, but what you've made of yourself, survived, and hopefully thrived. I have my own survival story of domestic abuse but thankfully left and did the best to heal myself and my children

Alina, it’s amazing you can express your feelings so clearly. There’s lots in what you’ve said that will help me and others come to terms with issues in our lives.

Watching this almost leaves me lost for words. It must have taken a long time to be able to do this. Your strength is amazing and one thing I can say is something I heard a few years ago and have never forgotten: Don't look back unless you're going there! Keep being your OWN kind of beautiful Alina!

I found you by looking around YT for small town Canada. The first vid I watched was you and your dad visiting where you grew up. This is the second, and I subscribed. Alina, your gratitude and down to earth attitude is so appealing and needed in today's world. Your children will be so fortunate to be raised by you. But please...not in the big city...please. Maybe when you are ready you'll realize putting down roots in a smaller community will raise children the way you were raised. Heh...thank you so much for being you :)

wow what a beautifully heartfelt video! your mom and dad should be proud!

What a lovely story you have. My wife never knows her biological parents. But she went back to Tokyo to take care of her mother with cancer. Both of her father and mother died on their own beds under her arms at home. And she refused her aunt trying to tell her the information about her biological parents. She is happy with her parents and so be it. We visit the family tomb often when I find time to go home from work in another country. You will be all right.

Just speaking as an adoptive parent... 1) You DESERVE to know what happened to your birth father... regardless of whether you 'connect' or not; 2) You DESERVE to know health information from his side of the family... in fact you owe it to yourself to know it; 3) You might have half-siblings who DO WANT to know you and would even be excited to meet you and have a connection with you. Your birth dad doesn't get to decide that; 4) That your dad is a great dad is wonderful, but it ultimately has nothing to do with connecting (or not) with your birth dad. He loves you and (hopefully) knows that your continuing to wonder about your birth dad is NO REFLECTION on what he did or didn't provide you with in terms of emotion and caring. Anyone who suggests 'just be happy with what you have' hasn't lived in your shoes and should mind their own bizz. Much love to you in this complicated journey!

I cried when you cried. You were able to articulate your feelings that I felt like I was going through it myself. You are tremendously blessed even though of you were disappointed by your biological father. Gordon more than compensated what your biological father did not give you. Your mom and your family in Ukraine did their best to make up in your childhood what you needed from your biological father. You have a lot of love to pass on when you start your own family.

This video touched Me deeply. I've sent to a friend whose story has many similarities to your own. Thanks for sharing this, and thanks especially for your strength, your maturity, and for the work of God in helping you.

Wow what an emotionally heart-wrenching story that brought me to tears. As a divorced father of three I can’t imagine my kids not knowing who I am. I travel a lot too and am away from them much of the time yet we are in constant contact with each other. 24/7/365. I can’t imagine any other way. It’s good to see you tell your story and live the life you’re doing. If I can say this, Remember the most important thing your father did was give you life and by God it’s good to see you living it by traveling and meeting so many wonderful people and experiencing so many things this world has to offer. Be blessed. Btw I’m planning a scuba trip to the Keys with my kids I can’t wait. Just to be with them is awesome!

Hi Alina, I also Moved from a Different Country, and did not Really know my Biological Father who died when i was very Young, My Mom also Sacrificed like your Mom, and I cant forget my debt to that in my life.. I am Very Grateful.. I can easily Relate to your Sensitivity and Emotion about life when you reminisce ... and those same thoughts made me a better person in Life forever.. Thanks for sharing such a Special Story...and that is what makes you such a Special Person... and that is what matters the most in your life... After realizing what a Special Person that you are... Your Father should be so Enlightened and So Proud of you... Alina, I'm so glad that you have found Happiness in your Life, and that you have such a Positive Perspective on Life... That was a very Beautiful and Personal Outlook on Life to Share.... Even the second time I listened to you , I was Glossy Eyed ... But it was also very Inspirational ... Michael'' Las Vegas

I'm sure your video will help many others who are going through the same thing. It 's so nice to see that you really understand how to be. You understand that each of us is responsible for our own actions/feelings and being a victim is a not a way to live. In another video of yours, you talked about being balanced. If we let go of all negativity and live as balanced a life as possible, we can't be anything but happy. But you already know that :)

Неделю назад случайно наткнулся на этот канал и... оторватся не могу. Слов нет. Вы лучшая!!!! Спасибо.

Alina, I am binge watching your channel and the deeper I go, the more I realize that your personal story is very similar to so many Russian kids who grew up without a father. Now in Canada, my heart is longing to be in Russia because that's where my roots and my ancestors spirit is still alive. Saint-Petersburg, Russia has captivated my heart so deeply, I felt like I have reconnected with my ancestors on some invisible level. Your roots are definitely in Ukraine and possibly in Russia. I hope your journey will fulfill your heart just like it did mine almost a decade ago. Thank you for sharing the truth and we're all watching and wishing you the best in life!

Just found this channel and watched this video. I'm not crying, someone's just cutting onions somewhere

You are a young lady, wise beyond your years. You have realised things that take others decades to assimilate, most times never. You articulate your emotions so well. You are an incredibly strong, beautiful woman inside and out. Thank you for sharing something that was very personal for you. Hopefully someone else can use your wisdom and insight to repair their own heart and find direction. 💖

Very emotional yet intriguing story. Your positive perspective on life and your humble attitude is impressive. ... keep it up.

Alina you’re such a sweetheart of a girl and extremely pretty. Such a pity for your biological father to not know what a beautiful wonderful daughter he has. Reminds me a bit of the situation of my stepdaughter and her dad not having anything to do with her and how she looked up to me to fill those father shoes. Good health and God bless your sweet soul

Don't cry Alina, you and your dad both are awesome.

Your experiences in life have taught you priceless lessons and views making you an awesome young lady, your videos can educate others.

Thank you Alina for making this video and sharing your private life. I travel to Ukraine a lot and meet people with similar stories. I've also been in Gordon's shoes on more than one occasion and understand how the bond of being a stepfather can be as strong as a biological one. My mother also had a similar story to yourself - she lost touch with her own father when she was just 8 year old. He went to fight on the beeches in WW2 (D-Day) and met someone whilst away. My mother lost touch with him and it wasn't until she was 28 did she ever see him again. It took her a few years to forgive him, but when she finally did reconnect with him, he stayed in her life until he died at 80 years of age - some 30+ years - when I was eventually born - I got to have a grandfather at least which may have never happened if she hadn't managed to adopt the power of forgiveness. She also learned that her father had had a daughter with his new partner - so my mum also gained a sister - who became my godmother. So it can be that not only do you or could you reconnect with your biological father, you could potentially gain so much more. It's a difficult decision.

Great video. Wow! So personal. My Sept-Daughter (Valeriya) is From Yekaterinburg. I met her in Russia when she was 3. She and her mom came to America when she was 9. I met her Biological father when I was in Russia. He had a prior family and did not want to raise a second family. She is now in College, and has grown into a wonderful young lady. I wonder if she wonders about her biological father. I am a world traveler also - but not during the pandemic, because I am older and have a 50/50 chance of surviving the virus. It's good to know there are great people, like you, traveling the world. Tom B.

This was an emotional topic for me as well. I was adopted at a young age and I too never met my birth father or my birth mother. I grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan and was lucky to have such a loving and wonderful family. I have met my biological family on my mother's side including 3 birth half sisters one who lives in New Zealand. I've met my 100 year old aunt as well as my 98 year old Uncle and numerous cousins and a few nephews. So it's been a journey for me as well. It's so great to hear about your experience and how well you've turned out!

I can really relate on many levels with this story. I met my mother when I was 12, And I was raised by my father. He passed away about 9 years ago, And my mother is a homeless person here in Colorado. It is hard for me to really ascribe meaning to friendships or other people because I know that they are not as close to me as my father was. I feel really lucky to still have my friends from childhood in my life, And I have visited 30 countries after my father passed away, So I made friends with amazing people all around the world. I am working on getting my mom into a treatment program, She has struggled with a drug addiction for several years now. I see how the guilt of having children and not being present for them also affects people, And just because your dad was not in your life does not mean he did not feel you in the world, Or that he was not aware of you. There is a principle in quantum mechanics called quantum entanglement. This has to do with two energy states reacting and participating with one another even invisibly, And I feel human relationships have a great deal to do with this principle. Two energy states connected to each other on a fundamental level will always be affected by the other, And the same can be said for people who have significance in your life. I am glad that you found peace around the pain of your relationship with your father and I hope the best for you and him as well.

Our own identity is supported on the identities of our parents and ancestors. So I feel it is absolutely normal to search for it. You can draw the family tree based on genetics but you can also build one based on the heart. That might be soothing.

Привет, Алина! Been following you on youtube for some time now. Your life's story, how you're from Ukraine, but being raised in Canada always amazed me. Thanks for sharing another part of it. I have a similar one. I was born and live in Estonia. Both my parents are from Bashkortostan, USSR, though they've met each other in Estonia. I was raised just by my mom alone, my dad was never really a part of my life. But from the relationship my parents had and the story that my mom told me, I don't really blame him. Just like you, I think that is their story, not mine to share. When I grew up I didn't feel like I missed anything though. Even though my mom told me about my father when I was probably 5. It was only after I was 16, I started thinking about my father, though not too much. When I met my wife, she always asked me if I would ever want to meet my father, I always said I wouldn't mind it, and kind of interested in it. She was always supportive of the idea of finding him, so I think only thanks to her, in 2016, when I was 26, I finally decided to do it. It turned out way easier than I always thought it would be. My mom kept a lot of letters from my dad from the late 80's and on them was his address. Since he was from a tiny village, in those tiny villages everybody knows everyone. And with the magic of the internet I found people who had relatives in that village to this day and they of course knew my father and his family. That way I came in contact first with my relatives by my father's line and then my father came in contact with me himself. It was nice to meet not so much my father, but as it was all my relatives (turned out there are a lot of them). I've met most of my relatives (including my father) in 2017, went to visit them in Bashkortostan, Russia. Planning to visit them for the second time next month, this year. As for meeting my father, I'm really glad I did, but it was nothing too special or personal, because he was never really a part of my life, nor did he ever wanted or planned to be. But to be honest I think I only really had that feeling of meeting him, because I never had a father figure in my life, unlike you. Otherwise I would not have wanted to meet him. Then again, don't know for sure. My wife told me how her dad was also raised not by his biological father, and how he loved him, but still always wanted to meet his biological father.

Alina! I was in your same situation! But I didnt listen to my family! I went look for my dad, when I found his house I knocked the door, I told him who I was and then he asked me if I hated him and I said to him that I didnt hate him, how could I? then he opened his door and asked me to get inside his house, I was 14 back then, now im in my 50s, we been best friends ever since! If you dont look for him youll never know his feelings towards you. The thing is if one day when hes not available anymore you will never know who he really was. I wish you the best!!

Your soul is so beautiful for sharing this. I never had these problems you went through, but I can tell the impact this video will have on those who did. I wish the world had more of your thoughtfulness and consideration. What a happier place it would be...

I Love History and also Love Stories !!! In my story, we have things in common. I never met my Biological Father. But a man that married my Mother opted to give his last name. Well, after few years my Mom decided to separate and divorce him. When I was five years of age, my Mom got married to what became my stepfather, until he passed away when I was about 24 years old. But overall, I felt God as my Main Father Figure !!! So for that I am very Happy !!! Now, about my Mother, ... that is an even Bigger Story that I would Love to tell You about but Out of the Social Media !!! Not because of anything wrong, but because there is so much to say about Her !!! Just Wonderful !!! One thing I Love about You is that You Have a Beautiful Open Heart !!! Thanks for that !!! God Bless !!!

What a fantastic person you are with a good head on you shoulders. I have a son that refuses to have contact with me. All because he can't move past things he carries around in his head. Because of that I have no access to my two beautiful granddaughters. Haven't seen them in 5 years. It hurts a father's heart.

Alina thank you for sharing your life story. Well I understand you 1000% because I have the same situation, as I told you I camel from a small town from Mexico and I was abandoned by my mother before I reach one year old, so I was raised by my grandparents on my mom side,we were vary poor but you know the saddest thing is that I know who was my mother because she come often to visit her parents after she got married in the capital. But she never called me SON and never give a hug , she got 3 more kids and she told them that I m their uncle. Alina sorry for bothering with my life story but I don't know why you break me down when I see you crying . This is a very vary short space to talk openly about this sad part of my life .... I love Bonita please take care of yourself

Hi Alina, I just started to see your very nice videos before few days, and all what I saw was so nice and interesting because you are so simple and so true when you are telling anything, thanks for you. Concerning this video, I have these remarks upon it: 1- Although your story is so normal comparing it with the tragedies of the people from Iraq or other places in the world because of the wars and what happened and still happening to them, but I can say that the natural and true way to tell us your story can be worth to be as a lecture at a university or institute to give the others a lesson about the life and how the children are suffering from the problems of their parents. 2- I can feel your inside deeply because I suffered similar than you but in a different way when I was just 3 and my father died and left us alone with my GREAT Mom and she raised 5 children alone, and I deeply believe that anyone must be proud of the parents. Although I am 50 now, but still missing my father DAILY and till the end of my life together with my GREAT Mother. 3- Although your Dad didn't request to see you, I think you need to try and may be you will discover by yourself that he had logical reasons prevented him to do so (Don't allow your heart to be filled with hard feelings because you are such a wonderful kind person) 4_ Remember always, that even if our parents are not good, we must remember always that they were the reason for us to be in this life. With all the best for you, and don't stop providing us with your wonderful videos and knowledge about places on our beautiful earth. Thanks.

You are an Angel. And seeing your pain literally squeezed my heart and made it ache. However, seeing your resilience made that same heart fill with joy at the strength you possess. You are and will be fine. In fact, better than ‘fine’. If you can blossom into the wonderful, kind person that you seem to be through that trauma and sadness, then you are only going to get better, kinder, stronger and wiser from here. And for the record, I had a father that was home, but not present. There is a difference. And your father, like mine, missed out on a relationship with a seemingly incredible human being.

Love your work, my son and I were estranged for 8 years..it almost killed me. You are a brave and gifted young women. Peace to Ukraine!

Thank you very much, Alina, for opening up your heart and sharing your life with us. One phrase you can add to your thinking is this: "TOUGH TIMES NEVER .LAST..........TOUGH PEOPLE DO!!!!!!!!! I mentioned in another comment i was an only child, and I lost my parents before I was 18! There is another hard situation to deal with, so you are not alone! I remember a phrase that was an inspiration to me and that is life is NOT fair but if you undergo something like you or I did, you have a lemon.........you can choose to throw the lemon away, discard it in a nother means..........or you can make lemonade! You CAN turn your hurts into halos and your scars into stars! I wish you the best, Alina and please remember, "God loves you, and so do I." Take care and maybe I will be lucky and hear a reply from you. As the great comedian, Red Skelton, used to sign off with..........."Good night.........and may God Bless."

My son Artem had a similar situation in his life as his father was never in his life either. I met Artem’s mom when he was this awesome six year old and we got along great from the start. Lena would say we are two from the same egg. I will tell you the coolest, best thing anyone has ever said to me. Is when after Lena and I got married and we picked Artem up after school, we were riding in the back of the taxi and Artem in the front when he turned in his seat and asked @When can I call you dad?” I said “ is today soon enough?” So for the rest of the time I was there every sentence he could think of would start with “dad”.

We all want to know where we came from, Alina. So we go digging in the past, but sometimes we aren't prepared for what we may find. Biological fathers don't always measure up. You're a beautiful young lady, so don't ruin your life by living in the past. Keep on moving forward, and don't look back until old age if that is at all possible. All the best, because all that we are is all that love brings. My step-father is 93 years old and is still going strong, whereas my biological father is buried in the grave of the unknown @hole. Love your eyes . . .

I'm impressed by the personal insight you show. My wife grew up in Rostov-on-Don in very similar circumstances. In my view, Russian men don't treat the women in their families, especially spouses, with much respect. But, in my immigration practice, I represent a lot of kids from the "Northern Triangle" of Central America, who have fled to the USA after parental abandonment, and it's very similar. The more desperate the economics of a country is, the more brittle its families are. One of the joys for me as a U.S father is that my marriage also gives me a second chance at fatherhood with my wife's daughter, who is a green card holder here in her mid 30s. The benefits run both ways.

WOW! I have great respect for you and what you are today. I am adapted myself, and for the longest time when I was a young child, until I turned 8 yrs. old, I did not know I was a chosen one. I found out by doing something I was not supposed to be doing, snooping around my parents closet and I found the papers of my adaption. I resented my parents for a couple years until one day, my best friend said something to me that I will remember for life. That is: "You are lucky to have your parents that love you, just think - They chose you and it fits the same situation you had...You were blessed beyond measure by having a step father that also was your DAD....remember that and you are right, live your life with the love you have in your heart, and spread it to everyone you ever meet in life, that's where you will find your happiness....never forget that and be the same special person you are to all of us that follow your channel. I have many still to see of your video's, and I will cherish your sharing forever.....Much love and prayers for you and who you really are...

I don't think that you could explain situations like these more correctly, I am proud of you girl, you are a fine person!

Hi Alina. Beautiful woman 😍 I wanted to hug you the entire time I watched this video. It actually broke my heart. I'm from the Toronto area as well. My dad is in a relationship with someone other than my mother now. But one thing I can honestly say is that he was definitely in our lives. In our case, I'm not sure that my parents staying together as long as they did was necessarily the best thing for us. But nevertheless, the thought of never having known who he was makes me feel really sad. My heart goes out to you and anyone who can relate to your story.

Thank you for sharing your life story! I can relate to this as my story when my parents divorced when I was five years old! My Dad in the late 60`s then PTSD out of four tours of the Vietnam War! Physically fit mentally issues as can`t imagine all he went through for the US Army! Never knew my Dad either then he passed away suddenly when I was 18 starting my adult life! Pains there for the rest of my life! Thanks for sharing everything good therapy as reflection is a good thing as maturity marches on in life! Take care, Jonathan

Thank you for sharing your story - (almost) tears and all. I hear similar stories of kids who lost out on reconnecting with a biological parent and the upset and resentment that causes. You sharing your story and how you got over the upset and resentment will, indeed, help others in such situations, too.

Thank you for sharing your emotional story,

Hi Alina, this was a tough video for you to make I can tell. I really got swelled up in your story. I have a son and although his mother and I separated when he was young we both raised him and he, (now 40 yrs old) is still a huge part of my life and always will be. We are separated by land but thanks to the internet we are in touch each week. Lastly although I have just started watching your videos and I am loving them, let me say in my opinion, you are a genuine “dear”! You have a great heart and many qualities that are very special. 😉

Thank you for a heartfelt video from a newbie to your channel. You come across as a wonderfully balanced and loving person and that is no doubt thanks to the love and care you received from your parents and relatives and also your own work on yourself. Your story resonates with me as I was also raised by my single mother after my father died when I was a baby. She chose not to remarry so I never had a father in my life and then I lost mum just after turning 18. I always wondered what it would be like to have two loving parents in one's life right through to one's adult years, but I guess fate works out differently for some of us. Oh, anyone who has the map of the world on their bedroom wall has got to be interesting :) I look forward to exploring your other videos. Love and admiration to you, Alina. Ghaith

Excellent conversation.. My dad's favorite expression was "happiness is a choice"--confronted with painful or pleasant experiences, regardless, you choose how you respond to it. I only feel sad because i see and sense your sadness, the absence of your biological father. has left a hole in your life. I wonder if meeting him someday will help you move on from that loneliness.I don't know, one way or the other. On behalf of men, I apologize for your loss. Either say, i am very grateful for your honesty, genuine heartfelt, testimonial. Thank you so very much.

Alina, I also know how it was being raised by a single parent, my parents were separated for 20 years after an 8 year marriage before divorcing, it sucked, just be strong, hold on to self love, and don't let go!!!😘🌹❤

Hope that right after recording this video you called your dad and told him how blessed you feel for having him around and how proud of him you are. Little I know about you through your videos, I think you got a better deal here. Mr. Gordon has been a great dad. Be grateful to the universe for this. Every soul has a few holes. People try silly things trying to fill those holes but not every one is as lucky as you are.

Thank you for sharing this with us. You gave us really good insight and advice. Thank you for your honesty... Your work is appreciated.

wow this would be a very difficult video to make. love how you and Gordon you travel the world together thats super nice. your birth dad situation you really didn't have any control over at all . everyone has problems in life that we will never really know about . how we choose to handle them is really up to the individual . and sometimes we have no control over how other people think. sometimes you just have to let the stress go and get on with life otherwise it will just burn you out completely

This was so sweet. I have a similar situation and my stepfather passed last year. I get emotional every time I think of him. ❤

I didn't meet mine until I was 25 when I found him :). That explains why you're so courageous :). You've learned independence. I like you am a bold lone traveler.

Alina you have a maturity beyond your years... God bless you!..🙏♥️

Family is great, and you have brothers and sisters on your father's side so why not meet them? My mother had 2 son's from an arranged marriage and lived with the guilt of leaving them behind in moving to another country to marry my father. In those days after WW2 the post was not good and she never received her son's letters. One son passed away from pneumonia and the other grew up a good man with his own family. My mother never told me or my father until one day I travelled as you did and visited the country of her birth. A man met me at the airport with tears in his eyes, he couldn't speak any English but I half deciphered he was saying he was my brother but I thought he mean't bro as in friend. I had dinner at his home with his family and I again half translated his children were calling me uncle. To much more to write here but to find I had more family than I thought was a great experience I will never forget. I recommend you do the same especially if you don't have brothers and sisters, it will help you understand what's been missing in your life not having your real father.

Thank you for sharing your story. Yes, it was relevant to me, and it was helpful and healing. While my situation is different, your perspective on how we all can lighten our personal burdens by seeing our part in creating some part of that burden (and/or carrying it on endlessly) has really opened my eyes. While it’s hard to forgive, or to look upon others with greater sympathy and understanding, I think you’re right - quite right, in fact - to say that unless we are more understanding and forgiving toward others and especially ourselves, we may not find the peace that would help us to have happier and more fulfilling lives. So thank you, Alina, for sharing so much with us. I, for one, was really helped by it. )))

Hello Alina , this is a very common situation in Russia and heartbreaking to hear . I have been in a relationship with Russian woman for the last 2.5 years and her father left when she was born . Her mother had a very tough time in 1981 to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 and onward . I know she had a very tough upbringing and this has shaped her personality and thought process of relationships in general .Watching your videos of you and your mother moving to Canada is amazing :)) keep up the great work with your videos :))

We all love you and welcome home to Canada.

Don’t be sad you are amazingly talented and beautiful your parents love you. Lots of love Alina from Montreal

My situation was very different....but I learnt how to contain my anger, resentment, lonliness, pain and all those nasty emotions....thanks to this video....this video of yours is so comforting to the soul...!!! Thank you so much, Alina..! More power to you...

You are triumphant in life. I wish you the best where ever you go. Very brave woman.

Alina please you don't crying because I love you indeed 💞

Alina, thank you for sharing your story. You’re a strong woman who can overcome any adversity, something which I have massive respect and admiration for. You’re truly blessed to have a father like Gordon, who accepted you into his life, raised you and inspired you to become the person you are today. Sending positive vibes ⭐️💛

I stumbled on to your travel videos a few days ago and then for some reason liked your style of presentation. More videos and I was hearing a beautiful young lady talk like a super well adjusted personality. Now, I have seen maybe 15-20 of your videos on various places in the world. I really like your style of doing the videos. This video on your childhood made me think of my own similar experience and how it did not have a bad affect upon me. I did meet my father after I was 25 years old. My brother said he was dying and wanted to see some of us (8 children in our family and I am youngest). I met him. It had no real emotional effect, he was just another person since he was never really in my life. I think you provide a good role model for young people who want to enjoy their life by doing what they are passionate about. Not letting bad baggage hold you back. I am now 76 and enjoyed my work for all those years. What a blessing to have a job/career that is a part of your life that you love. What greater joy? Keep on making similar videos and hope they allow you to prosper on the financial side of life.

Don’t be sad! You’re so loved by your family and people around you and I love you too as a new subscriber! Stay safe!👍🙏🇵🇭🇨🇦😘

love is all that matters and sounds like your step Dad is an amazing man. so he is your Dad as he raised you. So that is what matters. He is the man in your heart.

Once again Alina, it's amazing how much of your life you share with us. God Bless

We all love you, Alina. Enjoying your travel videos

Don't give up on meeting your dad. Mine left when I was 5 and I got to talk to him a few years ago before he died. I got closure and heard what I need to hear. I'm glad I did it. I got an apology which was the best thing ever. It might give you closure too.

Hi Alina; You have an amazing ability to talk into a camera lens as though it was a real live human being. That is a great communication ability. Will we see you on the silver screen.

My Father never knew his Father and he carried that "pain"-for lack of a better word-all of his life. he would never talk about it. You set a good example for being open about it and showing that you have moved ahead in your life with acceptance and forgiveness.

You did great! The past should stay in the past. Just keep it for experience and move on. Big hug for your courage to open up 🤗

There is a flip side to meeting your birth father. I met my biological father at 22 year of age an it was the worst damaging thing l could of done to myself. So just be blessed with what you do have!

Thanks alina, no matter what happen in our life, we must love ourself

I don't know how old u were when u created this video but I am impressed with your mature way of thinking here. I wasn't like this when I was your age, u look too young. I, too, grew up without a father. Now, I am 37 and still I haven't met him yet, but we are friends on Facebook. I support him financially even though I have never received financial support when I was growing up esp with my school financial needs. Just like you, hats off to my mom for her unconditional and endless love. One day, i will meet my father too in person. I am glad to see how your childhood experience and challenges in life have shaped you to become a great woman of substance that u are now. ❤

Alina, thank you for sharing your story. You're still a beautiful woman at the end of the day ❤

Hi Alina, I just watched this video, Feb 2021 and was touched by your openness. Everything you said is very true. I am 69 years on this planet and have experienced grief as well. The older I get, the easier it is to forgive myself. Life lessons never stop and congratulations on the growth you have achieved! Best wishes always, Norma

Be brave Alina.. You are so beautiful both inside and out.. God Bless

I have no competent words to describe you Alina. Your positivity and your elegance is captivating me! Thanks for your videos. I became your fan.

Painful family situations are more common than we think, myself am not an exception. I turned the issue from emotional to rational status and this relieved me quite a lot. In a situation like yours, I would try to connect with my biological parents and other siblings if any. To know our parents and/or our siblings is a natural right of birth and part of our heritage. If for any reasons the other end refuses any contacts, then you can have peace of mind because you tried and did your best. Unless you have solid leads to contact them, I would hire a reputable private investigator or investigative agency. These professionals usually are ex law enforcement officers, have a wide range of means of how to track down persons and spare you from emotional roller-coaster. You don't need to be trapped in a emotional cage, better to get to the bottom of the matter for peace of mind. When I married my wife she had a child from a previous marriage, but I always insisted the little girl to be connected to her roots and heritage. Today she is a fully grown up professional lady and now can enjoy my inner-self.

Alina, this is a lovely video. I am 3rd generation Ukrainian and have enjoyed all of your travels. This is a beautiful story and I appreciate the intimacy of your share. Glad you are well and I look forward to many more videos of you living your best life! XXXOOO

The beautiful people inside and out, generally have reached that level many times through the pain, you made me cry I also remembered when my mother abandoned me in my childhood, they were very difficult moments, I wanted to sleep and never wake up, but thank you GOD, That strengthened me, to face other more difficult situations later, maturity does not come just like that, years later we were able to reconcile with my mother, and although she has already passed away, I had no grudges or regrets, we spent the last years of her life, sharing many beautiful things, and today I understand that the life that she had next to my father was very bitter, and also, she had to fight alone to get my other brothers forward ,,,,,, a hug with much affection Alina from Bogota.

I admire your sincerity. you aren't the only who have been hurt anytime. But i just want you to know that you are really cute and you deserve to be happy. You're lucky because you still have a family back in Canada, people who love you -your mother and Gordon-

As a father of two adopted boys, (actually now men), your story touched me. Your insights are deep and pure, as well as healing. I hope your message is heard by people in your audience who need uplifting. Be blessed, and be well.