Two years ago, I discovered I have a biological brother.

After a biological aunt found our family in October 2018, my mom confessed my brother’s adoption to my sister and me.

In one day, we discovered two biological family members’ existence. Quite a Wednesday.

Stephen was born November 11th. Suddenly, we understood mom’s mood swings around Thanksgiving. It wasn’t (just) holiday stress, it was Stephen’s birthday month.

I vowed to find him. And I did.

We made contact on May 15, 2019. I’ll never forget that email — “Greetings from Alaska!”

Stephen’s name changed to Doug. He grew up 20 miles from us.

Last week, we met in person.

This week, his family stayed at our house for a few days.

Yesterday, he left.

Today, I have mixed emotions. Sadness for what never was…Grateful for what is…Excitement for what will be.

By Adrienne Parkhurst — All mixed up.