Well, after some technology shifts, I connected with my newly found brother via FaceTime yesterday morning, and we talked for almost two hours.
We had a very good talk, with information overload in both directions, but we didn’t stumble into any topics that caused us difficulty.
He had been browsing my Facebook posts as well as this blog, and I’ve browsed his online presence as well.
At one point when there was a lull in our lively exchange, he asked about a photo I posted back in 2017 during a trip to Las Vegas, taken as I posed with a life-size cardboard Donald Trump.
He asked the question very cautiously, something like, “So, are you a Trump supporter?”
I worried that my answer might not be what he wanted to hear, but it seemed like something we needed to clarify between us.
“No, far from it,” I replied, or something along those lines.
I shouldn’t have worried, as he was immediately relieved by my answer.
Living in Florida, he’s in Trump territory, but is not one of them. We found ourselves on common ground. Whew!
Anyway, it was two hours of “you show me yours and I’ll show you mine” back-and-forth disclosures about our lives, families, memories joyful and painful.
I tried my best to paint a useful picture of my–well, our–father, one that would give him an initial working sense of the man he never knew. Somehow, I think I managed, aided by all the online posts I’ve written about him over 20 years of blogging.
I have to say that the road of life my brother has been on was extremely rough and rocky at times, and I’m impressed at his amazing resilience. He seems to be in a very good place now.
The best thing is that we both enjoyed our first meeting and the long talk, and look forward to more.
I’ll have to be circumspect for a while, since he’s being selective who he’s letting in on the news of our DNA match, and I’ve got to respect that.
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Happy Thanksgiving Ian and Meda, What a gift on the Thanksgiving eve. Though none of this is anyone’s business but yours, thanks for sharing yours and your brother’s story. I hope the “Lind kids” get to share some turkey (maybe turkey broth for Romeo) with mom and dad!
Happy Thanksgiving! Wow, I missed the post with the news. Congratulations. I found out about 4 years ago, that I have a half older sister. It’s been a wonderful connection and we talk nearly every day. We bonded as family fairly fast and she’s been a great sounding board and turned into a good friend.
Congratulations!
Happy Thanksgiving Ian and Meda – So happy to hear that all went well with your new-found brother Ian. I have had these experiences several times with “newly discovered” family and feel I have been greatly blessed by every encounter.
It’s all good, Ian. I hope it works out and you can begin a new friendship with your brother.
It’s never too late.
Through DNA matches, a cousin recently found out a classmate was her half-sister. I grew up knowing (from age 14) that I have a half-brother fathered by my dad. I wondered about him from time to time, and with all my current and past family dilemmas I have decided that my family is so broken he probably wouldn’t want to be related to us. However I do wish you success. We live in fascinating times!
Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and Meda.
Ben
Thanks, Ben!
A positive connection on FB always welcome to hear. (Meta? Meh.)
Political persuasions—when recognizing both parties have served THEMSELVES well, there might be more consensus that WE have not been served well by either party.
I’ve been following your blogs for several months and enjoy reading the articles you share.
Happy Thanksgiving Ian to you and yours.
Thank you so much. Feedback and comments are always welcome.
I was adopted and at 75 just connected through DNA with two half-siblings and a bunch of cousins. My new sister checked me out on Facebook to be sure I wasn’t a Trumper. Turns out I’m related to half the Democrats in Nebraska (it’s a small group)..
Whoa! What?! This is big news! Do you mind telling us if there’s a family resemblance?
Congratulations! 🙂