I would like more sisters, that the taking out of one might not leave such stillness– Emily Dickinson.
Today, I got a Facebook message from a friend sharing the story of Wild author Cheryl Strayed finding her long lost half-sister as reported to the National Public Radio.
I’m a sucker for stories about reuniting with long lost family members.
For those of you who haven’t had the chance, I encourage you to read Wild, an adventure-filled and unforgettable memoir. One reader of the book recognized that she and Strayed share a father, and sent her a message online. While the sisters have continued communication online for the past couple of months, they haven’t made plans to speak by phone or meet.
Shortly after reading the story, I got a text from my adult daughter who had just been found by her 12 year-old half-sister from Greece on Facebook. She was thrilled, and they communicated online back and forth, exchanging email addresses, favorite colors, hobbies, and hopes.
Both of my girls lived in Greece for two years in 1994, when their non-custodial father abducted them on a visitation and disappeared.
Did you know about me was one of the first questions my daughter was asked by her sister today.
I asked the same question of my newly-found younger sister in 1985. She and I were also separated by a parental kidnapping, and I found her and my brothers with the help of a lawyer when I was 20. Did you know about me?
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| My younger sister and I /2013 |
In other words, is it okay if I intrude on your life? Can you please put aside why we didn’t grow up together and move forward? Would you be willing to create some space for me in your future?
It’s a vulnerable position to be in when you’re reaching out to a newly located loved one, no matter what the reason was for the initial separation. But it can be the start of a wonderful new beginning. It was for me. I sure hope it will be for them.
Do you have family members you’ve considered re-connecting with? What’s prevented you from doing it?
Thanks always for your commenting and sharing.
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Though I’m not a fan of the “Oprah Winfrey Show” while it aired, but I did watch one of the final episodes where Oprah had discovered she had a younger half-sister. It was difficult to watch due to the uncovering of all the secrecy her Mother had kept from her, but it was heart-felt seeing the live reunion.