In this episode, we continue our conversation with Karen, Wendy, Cindy and Dawn together and hear more from the group about secrecy and its long-lasting impact.
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Bio Father Search: The Cold Case Just Got Hot!
Mr. Spin has the beginnings of dementia. This explains the merry-go-round of a conversation we had earlier this week. How do I know this? I called one of his
relatives that would be my cousin. (He has no bio children that we know of). I explained my situation and
made a plea for her to help me by taking a DNA test to reveal whether I am part of their family or not.
I hit the jackpot! She is nothing short of amazing!! She was overjoyed to help me. Before I told her anything about me personally, she mentioned something about feeling like, “this is the Lord.” I said, “Oh you’re a Christian? Well, so am I…” and things just took off from there. When I say we hit it off I mean like…we
already have plans to visit each other in person! She explained to me that although Mr. Spin has not been officially diagnosed with dementia, it is understood among the family that he has it. She had total compassion on my situation and welcomed me with open arms as a friend, and hopefully as family. As I sit here and update this blog at 11:00 PM, she is still texting me telling me how excited she is about this. It’s so great to have someone actually EXCITED about DNA testing for me, wanting this to be a match.
So, moments after our initial phone conversation I ordered a DNA
test through Amazon and she will have it Tuesday. I am pinching myself. If this is my paternal family, I already have at least one person who wants a relationship with me and has welcomed me with open arms.We’ve been sitting here on what has seemed like a
dead end for a few years. Although it’s seemed hopeless, Gayle Lechner and Regina Zimberlin have never given up and have worked the DNA, the trees and the circumstantial evidence relentlessly. Even when I felt overwhelmed like I couldn’t go another step they kept working it. And now suddenly, there’s a breakthrough and a possible definitive
answer. In a few weeks, I will know whether Mr. Spin and I are a match.
And now we wait. There is no suspense like waiting for a DNA test result. I hope I never have to know what it’s like again after this.
Why I Struggle With This Time of Year More Than Any Other as An Adoptee (And Who God Sent to Help Me With That!)
Last week I received a Facebook friend request from a lady
named Linda. I was so excited. She is Kenny’s wife! (If you have no idea who Kenny is, you need to read my last post.) Kenny is not connected on social media, but Linda is. And she’s just the sweetest. Here is part of her first communication to me
on a Facebook message:
Hey Deanna! It’s wonderful to hear from you. Kenny and I feel
like you’ve become family. Kenny has
been checking with people in the family and people that might have graduated
with your Momma. We haven’t heard anything that would help you yet. But as you know, God is great every day! I am
praying for you that God will lead you to some answers and peace of mind in
knowing about your Daddy and other family. That would be a blessing for you. I
hope Kenny and I can meet you one day. I hope you and your family have a very
blessed Christmas.
This is the first of many messages with Linda and I am beyond
grateful for this couple. For all the frustration I have in dealing with a few idiots people with my search, I am reminded through people like Kenny and Linda that there are
people who are willing to help a person who was once a stranger. There are people
with heart, who do the extra mile without being asked. (I initially asked Kenny
to help but now he and Linda do a lot of searching and talking to people without
me even having to ask. They really care.)
It was a joy to mail Kenny and Linda a Christmas present yesterday and thank them for their kindness.
I realized a few days ago that it seems like the Christmas season is always the worst time I struggle with the issue of not knowing my natural father. Every holiday season my friend Gayle and I talk about it more than any other time. I drill down in working on the search during the month of December more than any other time even though it’s a crazy busy month! I was ruminating on that this past week and tried to figure out what it is about Christmas that compels me to do this.
I suddenly realized, it has nothing to do with Christmas.
It’s the fact that another year is almost over, and I don’t know who he is yet. And if he’s not dead, time is running out.
Ep 17. Bridging Stories: Exploring the Tapestry of Adopted Lives with Julie Ryan McGue
Dive into the fascinating world of adoption and twinship with author Julie Ryan McGue in our latest episode, “Bridging Stories: Exploring the Tapestry of Adopted Lives.” Join Julie as she unfolds her remarkable journey of being adopted alongside her identical twin sister, navigating the complexities of family dynamics, and discovering the unexpected twists that make up the rich tapestry of her life. This insightful conversation sheds light on the emotional and identity-seeking aspects of adoption, offering a profound exploration of the interconnected threads that weave our unique stories. Tune in for an engaging narrative that resonates with the heart of the adopted experience. #AdoptionJourney #IdenticalTwins #PersonalNarrative #BridgingStories