The timing of this whole adoption reunion thing has been a bit much combined with all of my school stuff. Not like I would trade any of this for the world, but its been a little crazy trying to switch my brain between the two things.
But...in recent news, I have found my biological Father. I had found a man with the same name, who fit all the "criteria" on facebook, and we became facebook friends. He provided me with all the information he could, and I have since been in touch with Sheri (birth Mom) and she has confirmed that yes indeed, this is my Dad.
The part that amazes me is how pleased he was about the entire thing. Most men (or perhaps most stereotypical men) would be a bit thrown by such news, like "Hi, I'm your kid!" but Henry just took it in stride. Honestly, he actually seems quite thrilled about the entire thing. On his side of things I also have a half brother and sister (same as on my Mom's side, two half-siblings). I have not been in contact with them as of yet.
Now I also know the two bands that I originate from. Which for me is fairly thrilling news. The Sahtu Dene of the NWT and the Sekani people of BC (Northern BC). So now I feel like I can concentrate my efforts on those specific bands to learn a bit more about my heritage. George Blondin is a well-known writer of the Dene people (to whom I may be distantly related through my maternal Grandmother). I got one of his books from the library and Rob devoured it. I have yet to read it, and now its fairly funny that Rob seems to know more about my people than I do!
So there you have it folks. In a way it seems like my "search" is over, but in reality, this new discovery just opens up more doors. Now I have two large families that I can learn about and get to know as it suits me (and them). I suppose my big questions has been answered (eg. "Who are my Mom and Dad?" and "What do they look like?"), but all the other stuff has just been above and beyond. At this point I can only speak from my Mom's side, but I have been welcomed with open arms. I have been getting to know my siblings, Jason & Tara, over the past few months, and its been an incredible experience.
Of course, next week, having the first real "meeting" with my Aunt feels like the next level. Now its not only a facebook relationship or e-mails, but face to face contact. Not sure if it will be emotional for me. Thus far, I haven't been super emotional in the sense of crying, but it has definite kept me up many nights just thinking it all through. I just have so many questions for her, I don't think I'll have time for tears!
For those of you who were not adopted, I'm not even sure I can fully describe it. But it almost feels like I'm discovering this part of myself that I didn't know existed. Each new person, new story, new link, is another part of me. A further discovery of who I am and where I come from. I suppose you could go all nature vs. nurture here, but for me, I think both play such significant roles in who we are and what we become.
So honestly, this has been a thrilling journey thus far, and it continues to blow my mind how positive it has been. I have read about many negative adoption reunions, so I was prepared (as much as I could be) for that to happen as well. So having extended family members welcoming me in and taking the time to get to know me is just incredible.
So as I think of my adoption reunion thus far what came to mind was that this has been exceedingly more than I ever could have hoped or imagined or dreamed. And this verse came to mind...
But...in recent news, I have found my biological Father. I had found a man with the same name, who fit all the "criteria" on facebook, and we became facebook friends. He provided me with all the information he could, and I have since been in touch with Sheri (birth Mom) and she has confirmed that yes indeed, this is my Dad.
The part that amazes me is how pleased he was about the entire thing. Most men (or perhaps most stereotypical men) would be a bit thrown by such news, like "Hi, I'm your kid!" but Henry just took it in stride. Honestly, he actually seems quite thrilled about the entire thing. On his side of things I also have a half brother and sister (same as on my Mom's side, two half-siblings). I have not been in contact with them as of yet.
Now I also know the two bands that I originate from. Which for me is fairly thrilling news. The Sahtu Dene of the NWT and the Sekani people of BC (Northern BC). So now I feel like I can concentrate my efforts on those specific bands to learn a bit more about my heritage. George Blondin is a well-known writer of the Dene people (to whom I may be distantly related through my maternal Grandmother). I got one of his books from the library and Rob devoured it. I have yet to read it, and now its fairly funny that Rob seems to know more about my people than I do!
So there you have it folks. In a way it seems like my "search" is over, but in reality, this new discovery just opens up more doors. Now I have two large families that I can learn about and get to know as it suits me (and them). I suppose my big questions has been answered (eg. "Who are my Mom and Dad?" and "What do they look like?"), but all the other stuff has just been above and beyond. At this point I can only speak from my Mom's side, but I have been welcomed with open arms. I have been getting to know my siblings, Jason & Tara, over the past few months, and its been an incredible experience.
Of course, next week, having the first real "meeting" with my Aunt feels like the next level. Now its not only a facebook relationship or e-mails, but face to face contact. Not sure if it will be emotional for me. Thus far, I haven't been super emotional in the sense of crying, but it has definite kept me up many nights just thinking it all through. I just have so many questions for her, I don't think I'll have time for tears!
For those of you who were not adopted, I'm not even sure I can fully describe it. But it almost feels like I'm discovering this part of myself that I didn't know existed. Each new person, new story, new link, is another part of me. A further discovery of who I am and where I come from. I suppose you could go all nature vs. nurture here, but for me, I think both play such significant roles in who we are and what we become.
So honestly, this has been a thrilling journey thus far, and it continues to blow my mind how positive it has been. I have read about many negative adoption reunions, so I was prepared (as much as I could be) for that to happen as well. So having extended family members welcoming me in and taking the time to get to know me is just incredible.
So as I think of my adoption reunion thus far what came to mind was that this has been exceedingly more than I ever could have hoped or imagined or dreamed. And this verse came to mind...
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."
Ephesians 3:20 – 21
Amen.
Amen.
This is really exciting Holly! I'm so pleased you figured out that it was really your father. I think this is just the beginning, though you said it kinda feels like it's over. This is just the beginning of the rest of your life where you know the roots of your tree. Do you find it ironic that you are studying for a history class while you are uncovering your own history? What beautiful parrallels.
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