BS: I've got a brother!

Subject: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:19 PM

Brief timeline:-
I was born 1952, my mother gave me to Bernados for adoption, adopted 6 months old, renamed, brought up by adoptive parents (for which I am very greatful) always wondered about blood relatives, started a trace in 1994, (post Royal Air Force days), found out about 6 years ago that I had 2 younger 1/2 brothers, went to Belfast in 2002 (mothers home town) found out a few bits of info, started to trace one brother, found out last week that he died of bone cancer (1984) aged 17 last week, traced other brother today, spoke to him, he is up for a meeting! He told me that there are 3 1/2 sisters as well, up to today I have never in my life spoken to a relative because I never had one! What a day!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Peace
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:21 PM

Sorry about the one brother and happy about the other. I hope you have a wonderful time getting to know each other, Skipy.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:27 PM

Thanks Peace, I am very vunerable at the moment, but feel that it will work out.
One amazing thing is that one of my sisters has MS & has had it for about 15 years, we (Kate & I) have been running a charity for MS for 19 years, supported by ALL the best folkies in the land & USA + Canada, see                wwww.folkforms.org
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:28 PM

good luck, Skipy. I really hope it works out for all of you.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:31 PM

Thanks Ruth, I hope to get sponsered by Kleenex! Been "one hell of a day"
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Peace
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:33 PM

It will work out Skipy. Neat to hear you have been supporting MS. (As a firefighter, I support MD.) Hey, man, it's gonna be neat to meet your sisters, too. But one step at a time, huh? Deep breaths. I know in my heart it will work out for you.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:39 PM

Peace, check out my site      www.folkforms.org
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Peace
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:42 PM

Hot link to Skipy's site.

Man, you are one good dude.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:43 PM

Thanx Peace.
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Peace
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:56 PM

I was jsut looking through the site, Skipy. You folks are doing great work.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Hawker
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 06:58 PM

Hey Skipy! Thats wonderful, I always cry when you see those re-union surprises on TV, if it me, I'd probably be more than emotional! Hope it all works out well for you all and that you get on well with your long-lost family.
Does your brother cross dress? ;0) and more important if he does, is he the same size as you, so that you can borrow his clothes!!!!!!
- something my sister and I would always fall out about when we were younger!
Have a wonderful re-union and the tissues with balm are the best!
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Amos
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:03 PM

Wow, Skpy, that is wonderful news!! I hope you and he become the best of friends.

A

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:07 PM

We organise and do the paperwork, the artists do the real work, without them there would be nothing. You can't sell a concert by sayting that the seats will be out in rows & the staff will on the door. Trust in the fact that the above will happen + great artists will give their time makes it happen & makes it a sucess.
So, how about a Folkforms in USA & one in Canada?
Take the challenge & run with it!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:15 PM

Hawker + Amos, Thank you so much tonight, I needed a few chuckles & you put them in place for me!
I feel "really strange" it has been a long hawl, but now the real work starts.
However my best mate has done most of the work, better thank her sometime, she is called Kate & I have to wake up next to her most mornings!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Peace
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:22 PM

Skipy, Skipy, Skipy. For once, I am not gonna say the first, second or third things that popped into my mind. Just this once.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:29 PM

how wonderful for you to find (blood) relatives - brother & sisters!!

I hope you have a lovely time with your new family

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:41 PM

Oh Skipy!!! How wonderful and sad at the same time. It's so good that you found this out. My music gang did a free gig for the local MS fundraiser last Saturday.

I think we live in an MS Cluster but since Wyoming isn't a mandantory reporting state, no way to find out for sure. BUT, this community of just 6,000 has raised $30,000 for MS research in the last 5 years and ALL of it will go to research!!!

Keep your chin up, and everybody has a bro somewhere!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Bonecruncher
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:44 PM

Wonderful, Dave.
Isn't it great to find relatives we don't know exist?
Hope to see your even more smiling face soon.
Colyn.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Mickey191
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:51 PM

Wishing you all the best--sisters too? Thats the icing on the cake. Have fun Skipy.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Bill D
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 08:00 PM

good for you, skipy! We have a friend who discovered her birth mother and some relatives a few years ago, and it has been a joy & a revelation getting to know them.

Many happy meetings to you!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Sorcha
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 08:05 PM

And on the Lighter Side...anybody want a 22 yr old daughter? NO maintenace fees available, but she's a hell of a waitress. Can almost cook too! Comes complete with 2 Corgi dogs. We won't discuss the 'baggage', OK?

I think I'd probably freak out if I found out I had half sibs somewhere. I'm pretty sure (on MY side at least) that our kids don't.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 08:17 PM

I hope it all works out ok.
I believe I have a German half-brother in Berlin, circa 1950, who I'd love to meet, but don't think it's likely.
It would be great to get together with him.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: JennieG
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 08:19 PM

Great news! A friend in New Zealand had the same revelation some years ago, in fact she said to me "there are more of us than any of us knew!"

Enjoy getting to know your new family, it may not all be smooth sailing but I'm sure you will all pull through OK.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: ranger1
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 08:30 PM

I met my sister who had been given up for adoption for the first time nine years ago. It's an amazing feeling.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Rt Revd Sir jOhn from Hull
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 08:36 PM

I got a brother as well, not met him yet!
Sorcha-don;t wanr your daughter, already got one!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 08:51 PM

I hope you have a very happy and gentle meeting with them all.. Wonderful news .. I was found by an older half sister in the 80's.. (Ah familys in the arts ..) Pm me for more on this if you like.. Congratulations ! Guy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Rapparee
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 09:19 PM

I found out I had two brothers and a sister -- had to live with them growing up, too. It must be really neat to discover sibs you never knew you had! Instant family.

Maybe your MS group has been doing some good for your half-sister -- now that would be really cool!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Bee
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 09:43 PM

Very cool. Hope it turns out great!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Metchosin
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 10:13 PM

Wow skipy! Hope this turns out really well for all!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 10:21 PM

Wow - good luck skipy!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 11:32 PM

Great story! I hope the reunions work out well for you.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 04:55 AM

Thank you all for your comments, told my 2 pairs of best friends on the phone & then told my other "family"! you guys!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 05:28 AM

Great Stuff mate - And can I Thread Creep a tad ? If they are Belfast Area , why not get over to Portaferry in February for a meeting AND some music ?

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: GUEST,Elfcall
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 05:52 AM

Skipy - that is brill.

My wife found her 'other' family at 32 years of age - not only did she have 4 other 1/2 siblings, but 4 more assorted uncles and aunties and more cousins than she could shake a stick at.

With every good wish that you find the happiness and contentment that she did.

Elf

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: gnu
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 06:43 AM

Good for you, lad.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: bubblyrat
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 07:39 AM

Hey Skipy !! I know just how you feel !! My mother left my father when I was only a year old. She remarried, and I knew that she had had more children, but they were never told about me . But, when I started doing my family tree a few months ago, I discovered a niece, she told her dad, HE told his sister, the oldest one ( or so he thought !! ) of the family, she contacted me, and we all got in touch !! ( My lovely sisters Gloria & Colette, and my brother, Clifford ! ) I have now met, and hugged,all three of them, and Cliff"s wife, although I haven"t seen the girls' husbands, or anyone"s children yet.To suddenly go from being virtually alone ( all my lot, bar two, are dead ) to being a part, however small, of a big, loving ,family is ,as you now know, Skipy, the most AMAZING feeling !! Aren"t we both the lucky ones ?? !! .......Roger..

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: jacqui.c
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 08:24 AM

Good for you Skipy, and Roger. How wonderful to have the chance to get to know more of your family in adulthood.

I wish you many happy family reunions.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: *daylia*
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 08:27 AM

Oh Happy days, Skipy -- sounds like this has been a long time coming!    :-)   

All the best to you and yours,

daylia

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 10:51 AM

It's great to hear some good news.

Wishing you lots of happy times to come.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 11:39 AM

That's just great, Skipy! Amazing - adult siblings without childhood memories - how can you push people's buttons when you weren't around to install them?

Best of everything! Enjoy!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 12:26 PM

Best of luck to you.

When I found out I had 3 half brothers and 2 half sisters I sent a video tape of my childhooed photos and a biographical letter.

Not one answered.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Rapparee
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 12:58 PM

It's better to find your sibs when they're adults, I think. MY siblings used to beat me up and hit me on the head and things when we were kids. They haven't done any of that in the last, oh, twenty or thirty years....

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: open mike
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 01:15 PM

good news..hope you all get along well
and have good times ahead..i presume
you missed out on meeting the brother
who has now passed...make the best of
the time you all have now!!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: fat B****rd
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 03:06 PM

I'm happy for you, Skipy. Be lucky. Al the best from Charlie.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Ebbie
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 05:24 PM

Congratulations on your successful search, Skipy- and the very best of luck to you.

On the light side: My husband and I had a daughter before we divorced. Several years later he and his second wife had a baby boy and my daughter lorded it over her sibling-less cousin that she "has a baby brother'.

Her cousin one day approached her mother and asked desperately: "Mommy, are you sure I don't have a baby brother someplace?"

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: katlaughing
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 05:26 PM

That is just too kewl, Skipy! Have fun and be sure to keep your heart surrounded by your friends' love and care...it will be reflected back to you, I am sure, by your new sibs. OH, and here's to KATE!!!

I had a friend whose father travelled a lot for work. She found out, many, many years after he died, that he had a whole other family, at the same time he was married and living with her mom and her! Her mom was in her 80's when they found out. They went out to visit the other family and have seen them several times since. I can't remember if the other wife was alive or if it was just the kids, but it turned out very positive for them.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 05:37 PM

I've dreamed about finding parts of my family like you have, what a wonderful gift!

WMP

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 07:12 PM

WMP, go for it, it's a lot of work, but trust me just for the moment you meet it's worth it.
Who knows where it will go from here for me, only time can tell.
Skipy.
P.S. Thanks to all of you for your support, it means a lot to me.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Peace
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 08:04 PM

"Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 05:37 PM

I've dreamed about finding parts of my family like you have, what a wonderful gift!

WMP"



If you are a member, and you could use some advice as to how to start going about that, message me.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 08:48 PM

Dear Peace,

Thank you kindly for the offer however I have met with a dead end. My father was adopted during a time when it was all hush hush. To make matters worse, he was adopted by a physician, often done behind closed doors amongst doctors with no records being kept. I do, however, appreciate the offer and if you think you can help overcome that dead end, I may indeed write to you.

WMP

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: JennieG
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 10:03 PM

My father walked out on my mother 35 years ago - my brothers and I had all left home by then, 2 of us were married, and although we weren't small children any more it was still a tremendous shock. He moved around other parts of Oz and eventually remarried, but we are pretty sure there are no more of us; the new wife was over 60 when they married. We found out 5 years ago that he died in 1991.

However he obviously didn't tell the new wife that he had been married to my mother for over 25 years, and that he had 3 children by her. The information on his death certificate says no previous marriages and no children. That means that whoever gave the information for the certificate (usually the remaining spouse) knew nothing of his past, or of the cheating and gambling that had gone on before he left - all of which came out afterwards. One would think that in a country town everyone knew everyone else's business but not so in this case!

I have wondered that, if I am not named on my father's death certificate, does this mean I don't really exist? (pinches arm - yep, it hurts so I must be alive)

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: old girl 1
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 07:05 PM

Great news Dave Hope everything works out well keep us posted, See you at Grove Rose & Dave

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: WiggyMagPye
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 08:59 AM

Hey Skipy,

   When will you meet your siblings? Do you have any ideas about what you want to say or know? I wonder if you will see a family resemblance? I am so excited for you!

WMP

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 09:21 AM

Good luck Skipy. You are doing a great job with MS.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 05:18 PM

WMP,nothing planned yet, hope to send a few photos & a couples of pages this week.
Thanx for asking, will keep the cat imforned.
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: WiggyMagPye
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 01:51 PM

Hello Skipy,
    I want you to know that because you posted here (which got me thinking about my birth family) and some prodding from Peace, I wrote a few emails and found that I will most likely be able to get a copy of my father's birth certificate (he was adopted but no idea about his birth family). I am excited at the prospect and a bit overwhelmed, teary even. I thought there was absolutely no hope in finding them. I know this is a small step but it might lead to something important and help me along in my search. I'm so glad that you found your brother (and sisters!) and that you shared it here with us!

WMP

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: WiggyMagPye
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 01:52 PM

PS. For anyone else who might be looking, I contacted my local state representatives office for help in finding the birth certificate of my (deceased) father who was adopted (it's his family who I am looking for). I had no idea where to begin so maybe that will be of use to someone else out there.

WMP

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 04:23 PM

So, the phone rang tonight & it was one of my sisters! We had a great little chat, she says she has "so much" to tell me about! We have been invited to Belfast the same weekend that my brother is going over, so there will be 4 of us together!
Slight snag though! it my be the weekend of folkforms! ironic or what!
We'll see how it pans out.
WMP - GO FOR IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: FolkTDG
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 04:51 PM

Good luck Skipy! Hope it all works out for you and your family!

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Beer
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 05:26 PM

Very very happy for you Skippy. You'll be living in some what of a dream for a while.
   Not to take away from your story Skippy but I would like to share what happened to my brother in law about 3 years ago. He was a surviver of the famous "Butter Box Babies" legend that came out of Nova Scotia (If you Google B. B. Babies you will get the story. Want to keep this short as possible.). He now has 2 brothers one living in British Columbia and another one who moved to Quebec about 10 years ago from Ottawa.
Here's the strange but true incident which took place.
Danny was living in Ottawa at the time and was doing small time repairs in electricity, carpentry, plumbing and so on. My sister was working in a government position. On visiting one of his favorite clients he learned that his clients father had just passed away so Danny offered him his condolence. Turns out he was offering his sympathies to his brother and biological father.
How about that for a shocker.........

He has since met relatives across Canada.
life can be strange and wonderful.
All the best to you Skippy in your new adventure.
Beer (adrien)

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 05:41 PM

Beer, WOW, just read it! one hell of a story!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Donuel
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 06:45 PM

I've dreamed about finding parts of my family like you have, what a wonderful gift!


Well what do you do when they will not respond after sending letters and tapes to 5 half siblings?

Should I assume their current mother made an edict? or that they decided that this guy is after dad's estate? or life is complicated enough, screw this guy?

I don't think I should stalk my own family albeit a family without contact.

ps I would be the eldest.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 07:08 PM

Strange that 5 would all fail to respond, so try again!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: katlaughing
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 12:18 AM

Beer, thank you for telling us your story. I had never heard of the Butterbox Babies before. What an incredible story. I've got tears running down my face just thinking of those babies and their families being separated and also feeling joy at some of the reunions. Incredible.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Bee
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 07:31 AM

Skipy, sounds like you will be 'swimming' in family now. ;-)

Beer, how interesting about your Bro-in-law being a Butterbox Baby. Just a few years ago, some poor person from the US was attempting to get DNA results from one of the buried infants who may have been kin to them (I forget the details, but it may have been one of the mothers), but alas, nothing could be found.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: GUEST,Donna
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 04:24 AM

Hi Mr Guest, just wanted you to know that I think your recent news is just great and to be able to share it with so many warm and genuine people is just fab!! Hope you enjoyed your few jars down the pub last night by the way!!

x

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 06:01 AM

Hi all, just received a packet of photos! know what they look like now!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Jean(eanjay)
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 06:06 AM

Skipy, do they know what you look like?

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 07:04 AM

NO! It will come as a shock! So will send them something in Monday post!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Peace
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 12:55 PM

The news is wonderful, Skipy. I am very very happy for you.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: Rapparee
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 05:27 PM

Skipy, this is indeed wonderful news. Do you think that they'll be shocked when they see your picture? I can't imagine that they would be -- family's family after all.

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 05:51 PM

I was shocked when I saw theirs, only because the human brain puts together pictures, so they looked totally differant to what I (my brain) expected. There is nothing out of the normal about any of them, but those I thought where fat are thin etc. etc.
The brain is a strange piece of kit as we all know!
Back in 1976 I was walking down a street in Valletta Malta (lived there for 3 years) there was a woman walking along in the other direction on the other side, I felt an amazingly strong attraction to her (no, not on that way! trust me on this one) I thought "thats my mother", I walked about 20 paces, stopped and looked back, she had also stopped & was looking my way, we observed each other for a while (felt like age) & them we both walked on. Who knows it may pan out that she was out ther on holiday! Not likely but scary!
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 05:56 PM

"e" the missing e
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: skipy
Date: 28 Apr 07 - 05:57 PM

Thanks Peace, we are moving fwd. slowly. Way to go.
Skipy

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: TRUBRIT
Date: 08 Jul 07 - 12:14 AM

Skipy -- what wonderful news.....I don't know you personally but I do soooooo remember putting pennies in the Barnardo's boxes when I was a child....I am so happy for you and your family.....

Subject: RE: BS: I've got a brother!
From: SINSULL
Date: 08 Jul 07 - 12:28 AM

Enjoy the moment, skipy. I can't imagine growing up without brothers, cousins, aunts, uncles. grandparents etc. I had a huge extended family as did most of my friends. You have been given a wonderful gift. Treasure it.
Mary