Read about some of my successes in tracking birth families. It is great to be a part of a family reunion!
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Read about some of my successes in tracking birth families. It is great to be a part of a family reunion!
I “met” Colleen after an article in our local paper shed light on the Benjamin Kyle story. I was home due to an injury and had extra time on my hands. Colleen was very quick to respond to my emails and to engage in a conversation about my family history. I soon shared with Colleen that I had a brother who had been adopted many years ago. I have searched for him for years but had very little knowledge about the details of the adoption. My father had also looked for him for several years with no success. I never dreamed that Colleen would be able to assist me with finding my brother Brian. I had actually begun putting that dream to rest, though it was difficult as I was raised as an only child . . . and the desire to have a sibling is strong.
Colleen asked for details. I had little. I knew his name and what I thought his adopted name may be. I had his birthdate within a few days but I wasn’t sure what actual date it was. Within moments I had a reply from Colleen with his address and information. I was stunned. I had a hard time believing that she found him so quickly when I had searched for years. I questioned this and she had enough information to assure me that it was him.
Colleen was so gracious and kind! She encouraged me to contact him right away but I had deep fear about this. I didn’t know if he even knew he was adopted. I didn’t want to cause any pain in his life. I debated for several days before I used the information that she gave me to find him on the internet. I began searching social networking sites. I soon found him and his wife. I couldn’t see a pic of him . . . I wanted to know if we had any resemblance. Looking at a sibling was intriguing.
I settled on writing to Brian’s wife. I explained who I was and that I didn’t want to hurt him or disrupt his life but would love to at least have a conversation. I went to bed feeling worried and nervous. I woke to an email from him! He called me early the next morning, and after talking he called my . . . OUR father! Overnight I became a sister . . . a sister in law . . and an AUNTIE!
I can’t thank Colleen enough. I have yet to meet him due to medical issues and distance but the goal is to meet him this spring. I can’t even begin to imagine what it will feel like to see him in person. This would never have been possible without the kindness and resources of Colleen. Thank you so very much!
Thanks for the kind words Katrina. It makes me so glad to hear from you and to know how happy you are. Good to hear you are planning to meet up with your brother soon. Incredible to become a sister, a sister-in-law, and an aunt all at one time. Must be overwhelming! So maybe I have found my purpose in life. Stay in touch and let me know how it goes when you meet up with “the family”. Colleen
I will definately do that! We were hoping it would happen this month but due to medical conditions it really has to wait until early spring. We talk on the phone and facebook quite regularly though. I just can’t thank you enough for the gift you have given me!