
15 Dec I Have a Sister Named Julie
54 years ago, a 19-year-old young woman gave birth to a baby girl. She only held her once as she was advised not to bond with her before she gave the baby up for adoption under an assumed name.
That 19-year-old was my mother.
Mom told me the story when I was about the same age—19. In the decades since, she has searched for that baby girl via letters and adoption registries, mitochondrial DNA, and a classified ad on what would have been her daughter’s 40th birthday. But the hospital she was born in no longer exists, and the baby’s birth certificate, which contained my mother’s real name, was sealed… until just recently.
Last Friday, my assistant Cindy texted:
“You might want to take a look at Facebook message.”
Me: “Which one?” (I am notoriously behind on all my e-mail.)
Cindy: “The one about your mom.”
I logged on and found this message: “ My name is Julie, and I have reason to believe your mother is my birth mother.” She included her e-mail and phone number. I texted my mom, e-mailed her the message, and then called her.
“I’m calling her now!” mom said.
I texted my sister (asleep on the East Coast) while I waited. A little while later, Mom called me back.
“It’s her,” she said.
I talked to Julie that evening for just a few minutes. “Mom’s been looking for you for a long time,” I said. I wanted her to know.
Julie is, herself, a mother and grandmother (“I’m a great-grandmother!” Mom said) who grew up with parents married for 64 years. We hope to all meet in person early next year. I’m so happy for us all, but especially for Julie and Mom.
Love you, Mom. Love you, Julie. I can’t wait to meet you.
Mark Carver
Posted at 19:18h, 15 DecemberWonderful!
Ronie
Posted at 19:24h, 15 DecemberBeautiful!!!! *goosebumps*
Wanda scott
Posted at 19:47h, 15 DecemberOutstanding!! God is awesome!
Julie Benham
Posted at 19:52h, 15 DecemberI’m so honored to be a part of your family and can’t wait to meet you all in person! This is something I’ve only dreamed of!
Love you too!
Mikal
Posted at 19:55h, 15 DecemberI have the chills! So, SO happy for all of you! ❤
NUNZIO CASILLO
Posted at 20:09h, 15 DecemberFanastic! But why wait ’til next year? Go now!
Deanna Owens
Posted at 20:22h, 15 DecemberTosca, this is your story? What a wonderful gift. A sister found, a daughter found. Your mom must be so happy, scared and nervous. We look forward to hearing the rest of your story.
Patricia Beal
Posted at 20:26h, 15 DecemberHow wonderful! 🙂
Josh H
Posted at 20:29h, 15 DecemberSo awesome!
RJ Metcalf
Posted at 21:06h, 15 DecemberI’m tearing up! That is so wonderful, and such amazing timing. (before the holidays) Congrats on finding your sister. <3
Marty G
Posted at 21:07h, 15 DecemberWhat a wonderful Christmas gift for all!!!
Sharee
Posted at 22:47h, 15 DecemberSoooo amazing!!!
Ian Acheson
Posted at 04:56h, 16 DecemberA Christmas miracle indeed, Tosca. How wonderful.
Gretchen K Engel
Posted at 07:07h, 16 DecemberWhat a beautiful story! Christmas miracle indeed!
Bonnie Lacy
Posted at 17:05h, 16 DecemberWow. Beautiful!
John de Sousa
Posted at 22:52h, 04 JanuaryHow deeply touching. Such a gracious gift from God. Congratulations!