How My Sister & I Found One Another
Many of you wanted to know how my sister found me. So I emailed a cousin on my father’s side yesterday, and she emailed me the following…
She (Marietta) did her DNA test through Ancestry.com. She said she was really looking at finding out her ethnicity, never thinking she would find family.
I had myself and both my parents take a DNA test also through Ancestry.
Marietta submitted her test under a username of that of her birth name.
When I checked mine and dad’s matches she showed up as a 1st cousin match to my dad and 2nd to myself. I recognized her username and contacted her through Ancestry.
Really amazing isn’t it?
The photo above is my maternal second cousin (who is my age) who grew up with me. She was more of a sister to me in my early life. She is the only relative I keep up with on that side.
Marietta seems to resemble her. That side of the family is French.
A photo of my daughter when Andrew was a bit younger. It is one of my favorite photos of them.
A photo of me before I left Texas. It’s about 6-7 years ago.
I am showing these photos to find resemblances. It is a wonderful feeling to find extended family.
Wonderful photos…I definitely see all the family resemblances. So interesting to do the DNA…I have found out many people and things I would have never known, my mom is doing it now, too.
Wonderful story and a great FIND. I'm so glad for you.
Like everyone else thank you for sharing. Happy for you.
i'm so happy for you. this new discovery has opened doors in your heart you thought you'd lost and were closed forever. it's amazing really. and these pictures are ALL beautiful! you and your daughter especially look just alike. but it's everyone's eyes that show the connection. so lovely!
Brenda, you look shy, but strong and attractive in your photo. What a journey you have been on since that photo was taken. You've lost some people, places and possessions, but gained others. I'm glad you've made the connection with your sister, and have a cousin who has helped in finding her. Your daughter is so lovely and looks very kind. Darling Andrew has changed a lot between the two photos! Look how he is treasured by his mom. You didn't have that kind of connection with your mom, but you raised a daughter who could be such a mom. You did a great job. Thanks for sharing these people in your life.
It is so exciting watching this happen for you Brenda..Thank you for including us in it..Please keep us posted on what happens..I am so hoping that this leads to more happiness in your life…you surely deserve it! Hugs!
I've been wanting to do that DNA test on Ancestry for awhile, now, mainly to see where my ancestors originated from. Who knows, maybe I'd find some family, too! Your grandson really looks a lot like you!
Such a wonderful story! Ancestry.com sure is helping so many people learn about their heritage and to find long lost family. How inspiring!!
So nice that you're finding family and what a great picture of you.
You have a beautiful family, Brenda. I see you in your mother's photo and also in Andrew.
I think it is amazing that you can match with people by DNA. I'm so glad that you have found family. You all have similar eyes. Love the picture of your daughter and Andrew.
So happy you have found your sister and that you seem to have 'kindred spirits'.
So happy for you, Brenda- I thought the young girl was you!
It seems so impossible that you and your sister found each other but what a blessing for you both. You seem to be enjoying the connection. I am happy for both of you.
The picture of your daughter and Andrew is special, a true treasure. She looks very happy.
After your many challenges it is great to know you are finding more happiness.
Thank you for sharing these photos with us, Brenda. You and your family are beautiful and I'm so happy for you to have found your sister. It looks like Andrew has a little cowlick in his hair – I noticed because my Andrew (who is 19 years old) has one in the same spot – too cute!
So happy for you. Extended family is such a blessing.
I think this is all so fascinating. I never knew you could do DNA match-ups on Ancestry. I may have told you that via Facebook, I have gotten to know cousins I've never met, we Roberts' live all across the country. I love getting to know them, it's just a precious gift at this point in my life with my parents gone and my children grown/nearly grown. They're all on my dad's side. I grew up with my other's side – many of whom were not nice at all 🙁 So it's a double bonus to know the other side now. Enjoy knowing your sister!
Mary
I thought the picture of the young girl was surely you. What an amazing opportunity for you. Where is your sister living? Love the photo of your daughter and grandson she looks like a very happy mama.
I love that you feel so comfortable with your readers to share things of such a personal nature. Such lovely photos. I really enjoy reading about your family and how things are unfolding. Sometimes people don't want to be found, but isn't it wonderful when they do! It amazes me, the avenues at our disposal to find long, lost family and friends. You must feel very blessed.
Lovely story! Thank you ,Brenda.
Beautiful pictures, all! News to proclaim from the highest mountaintop, Brenda!
That is so interesting! So if one takes the Ancestry.com DNA test, they will match you up with others who did the DNA test?
I can see the resemblance in the eyes of Marietta and Andrew. I can't get over how big Andrew's gotten.
What a beautiful picture of your daughter and her son. Thank you for sharing with us.
The photo of your daughter and grandson is so precious. What a wonderful picture. Glad you are finding your extended family. Nice to feel that connection with other family members.
Kris
everyone resembles everyone, particularly you and your pretty daughter. cant wait to see how this journey unfolds.
Thank you for sharing this story.
Please keep us posted about your family.
Thanks so much for sharing! I love stories of families reunited. The photos are great too! I hope that you and Marietta will be able to meet one day.
xo
Pat
Andrew looks a lot like you!!!
Good Morning Brenda,
Oh I enjoyed this post and yes it truly is amazing how you found one another and the very close family resemblance. Lovely photos of everyone and it is a treat to see you too!
Jemma
You look so much like your mom, Brenda. I am so happy that you have found more of your family. Love that photo of your daughter and Andrew. What a beautiful family. xo Laura