23andMe Story: 76-year-old woman finds her birth family

[@annehenderson9207]

I thought at 72 I was too old to find my birth mother's family (she is dead) but this video shows there may still be hope. I had a few tears watching it.

[@jmk1962]

You are never too old to do a DNA test as your mothers relatives DNA would show up even if she has passed on. If you do a test make sure you upload your DNA results to GEDmatch which would connect your DNA to a wider audience from other DNA testing companies so your search would reach a wider audience and would increase your chances of finding a connection to a family member.

[@patriciajrs46]

@@jmk1962 Is there a tutorial to teach us how to upload to GED Match?

[@kathymunn2404]

How beautiful that she discovered her siblings and that they were so welcoming!

[@NewYorkCityBoxing]

She looks exactly like her mother!

[@mercysawme1]

I’m 67 and just found out that I have an older half sister. My niece did a 23andme test that identified a first cousin that our family never knew about. We have all met now and she and her children are part of our family. When i first saw her picture, she looked exactly like my mom. Out story is so similar to this one.

[@PeaceDayCortez]

I’m 55, the product of an affair. I met my biological father 2018, he’s 93 yo and I’m his only biological child. I feel very fortunate to have gotten family history.

[@karenmiller9381]

This woman looks amazing for any age let alone seventy-six, wow! 😀

[@geneticnomad8720]

Ok so it's not just me who thinks so! She has given me hope 😁. I'm not scared of 70. Amazing

[@RealHeatherLoeschMck]

We went through same thing. My Aunt will be 76 next month. I found her in 2013. Her story. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHfEm3mZhbF_fdE

[@anthonygodfrey2012]

I agree

[@GramsHouse1962]

My father is 75, looking for his birth family. I hope his story turns out as nice as yours. ;)

[@emmanuelmckoy5899]

did he ever find out? I would love to find out the results.

[@GramsHouse1962]

+emmanuel mckoy Not yet, but he has done DNA with 3 different companies and he has some 1st, 2nd cousins and 3rd cousins. I am in the process of having more people tested to try and figure out who his birth parents are. Thank you for asking. ;) Melanie~

[@emmanuelmckoy5899]

+Melanie Fallo-Smith well I hope your father(and your whole family) all the best!

[@GramsHouse1962]

+emmanuel mckoy Thank you!

[@TlanImass]

@@GramsHouse1962 Once a first cousin is found, it should be easy! I hope your papa found his closure and it's a happy ending. :)

[@amandagrayson389]

Thanks for this. It gives me hope. My spouse is 73. She was found, abandoned on the courthouse steps in a small Texas town. She has not been able to locate her birth family. She did do 23 & Me but we did not get any current matches. I hope that some day, one will come along.

[@r.ridderbusch7303]

Have your spouse do AncestryDNA, too. I found my adopted-out cousin there. Good luck!

[@texastea5686]

Good luck!

[@christystaples2558]

Try Ancestry also.

[@retiredteacher4360]

Do Ancestry.com, you might get more matches.

[@beingsneaky]

Yes do ancestry also they have a bigger data base of users more chances of find a relative on there. upload raw data to myheritage, familytreedna and gedmatch.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Wow, when she opened that photo of her mom, I thought it was a picture of her when she was younger!

[@maryslocum9443]

Isn't that great can you imaging feeling that connected .

[@ummiramli6554]

Me too ! So uncanny. I wonder why was she separated from the rest of her siblings.

[@ociliacanton2017]

She was 76 when she found her siblings , maybe mother got pregnant and was not married , in those days it carried a stigma of unpure and lost her statis of being naive for the young mother and lable for the child inligetamentcy as unknown father plus could not raise the child on her own . Who knows for sure ? Buy happy we're not that way anymore .

[@Katwoman4318]

ANTIQUEFOTOS ❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛❤️💛

[@nancyhoward7005]

Me2

[@CJ-sg3vs]

I just found a 1/2 sister I never knew I had. Isn’t it wonderful. .

[@ENOUSSOU]

I did a 23 and Me DNA test along with ancestry last month . 23 and me came back first within 2 to 3 weeks. I found a first cousin who lead me to my father . Now I got to meet my father after 40 years . The best thing that ever happened to me . Thank you 23 and me you found a missing part of me

[@Kaylab744]

ENOUSSOU did you just take the test? Then they had your ancestry on it plus your immediate relatives or? I want to find my fathers side if the family but I don’t know if it’s one test for all

[@phoenixdavida8987]

@@Kaylab744 I believe it is.

[@RohenKapur]

@@Kaylab744 it'll find people on both sides. The ones with X chromosomes are from your mother's family. Ie her mother, and father... And back to his mother and back to her mother's father and mother also.

[@RohenKapur]

@@Kaylab744 if you want just your father's side, ask your mother or a sister of your mother to take the test and exclude all the ones that are related to your mother as well

[@patriciajrs46]

I hope your father was/is happy to meet you. God bless.

[@karmkarm100]

I found my father’s birth mother and father from this and so grateful

[@joyb5525]

I'm not adopted. But I cried so many tears watching this. So touched by this wonderful story.

[@maryannamerica6934]

My daughter and her husband adopted 8 kids! A set of twins, 2 sisters, a brother and a sister and another brother and a sister!!!!!! They all know they are adopted and...They all have their birth parents info! They are completely open and it makes me proud!!! A USAF Veteran 🇺🇸 Maryann

[@yvonnecohen4811]

Wonderful video, Winnie! So glad you told me your story! Yvonne

[@suehofkamp8594]

What a wonderful story. I am so happy to see that she finally has the answers she has been asking for most of her life and now has closure.

[@kathykiser5134]

What a beautiful story! So happy for her!

[@KrissiCreates]

This video makes me cry, with joy for Winnie and her family and with sadness for myself. I'm adopted as well. I will soon turn 60 and had hoped I would have this kind of ending when I got my 23 and me results back. 2nd, 3rd and 4th cousins. I've reached out to many of them but am not finding connections to anyone knowing who my Mother of Father might be. So for know I am finding some peace in knowing I'm 99.9% European, mostly Scandinavian. Somehow that gives me a connection to who I am. Bless you !!-

[@Kathleen5429]

Kris Thomas from all that I've read, don't ever give up. It will come in time. We just have to be patient and in its own time, it will happen. Keep pursuing.

[@melvawages7143]

You need to upload your DNA to other sites that allow it. There are to many companies that do this.

[@kathrynwitte3398]

Learn to make “mirror trees” here on KZbin and join DNA Detectives on Facebook. I’m adopted too but it’s not an easy road.

[@maryslocum9443]

I have a sister who should have turn 60 last month Helen Sue was what I know her as ..mom was in Cincinnati Ohio when she had her they both were hospitalized for TB in 1959 1960 .

[@1Life2Live007]

Never give up!

[@mimsicle1]

What a great story. You can feel her relief.

[@vilstef6988]

My favorite KZbinr found an unknown half-sister through a DNA test. This opened the waterworks for me. Good on Winnie for finding the missing piece.

[@JoMamaLuvsReptiles]

What a beautiful lady. Beautiful story. Beautiful family. One is never too old to find what you feel you are missing.

[@carolbutler6932]

I was 76 this past Monday and I agree. I'm hoping that she and her family have the time to make some great memories.

[@laurabarber3462]

Wow, this struck a chord with me. Not only am I adopted, but I also lived in Tahoe for 12 years. I am waiting for my 23 & Me genetic information to fill the void that is my history. I often feel I am an island, but I am hopeful to learn more about my past to make me feel more a part of something bigger. I also am very happy, with two beautiful girls of my own. They often ask about where I came from, and it's so strange not be able to know that simple, factual information. Thanks you Winnie for sharing your story. I am hopeful I will find the answers I am seeking soon.

[@mem1114]

Laura Barber how did it go? I'm adopted as well and just ordered my kit

[@carolynelliott7093]

Im adopted also im 60 birthparents from N Carolina mother sent to Louisville to have me..she would be 75...i also am missin a part of me..sound familiar anyone?

[@alison2649]

Please cover all your bases and do Ancestry DNA too. In fact they’re more popular & your chances are greater for finding relatives.

[@jmk1962]

Any update on your search?

[@kenyathames9083]

It'd been 7 years since your post, any updates?

[@judymanzanares7640]

Thanks for sharing. Totally in tears right now. Your one of the lucky ones that's been accepted into the family. God bless you all.

[@kaydee9583]

My dad found his three living half brother and a half sister at 79. 23&me is amazing

[@paulathomason5017]

I'm on this same journey, and hitting walls with 1st cousins. Congratulations on you finding your family! Many blessings to you all. Most Sincerely, Paula Thomason , Charlotte, Michigan

[@jmk1962]

Sadly some birth moms take their 'secret' to their grave.

[@whiskeypapa8842]

One of the coolest videos I've ever seen. Thank you.

[@deedeewinfrey3181]

My adopted friends always felt lost and unwanted, this is a beautiful thing.

[@ociliacanton2017]

I am ecstatic for her joy , My son and his father's family found , My son's older brother through 23 and Me They look so alike and he's wonderful.

[@suburbohemian]

I'm a 58yo adoptee who honestly never cared to look. I'm an O'Donovan through and through as far as I'm concerned. But I am glad for her happy ending.

[@hidbee]

Their mother is absolutely STUNNING!

[@connycatlady7429]

A absolut heartwarming story. All the best to th e whole family.

[@darrylmasterson1176]

This touches my heart and makes my eyes watery, awesome!

[@AdeleEverett-x6t]

Oh Winnie, what a wonderful story! Thank you for telling us about it. Michael found it for me. I am so happy you found your roots.

[@omarretamal2228]

This story is so beautiful!

[@lynnesmith2419]

You look like your mom! Very happy for you. Man blessings

[@maryannturton9830]

What a lovely family you have found❣

[@hs7921]

Glad to hear it. I’m only up tp my 28th year of searching. There is hope for me.

[@carmensmith4902]

You and your mom look so much alike, and what a beautiful family you have.

[@melze1428]

What a beautiful story to share. I cried when they embraced at the airport! So sweet! 💕♥️💕

[@yahney-marie]

Whoever disliked this video is heartless. I promised myself I wouldn't cry but...

[@WOThms]

I liked the video and had to respond to your comment. It was very nice to see the results of this woman's efforts in finding her biological family. Many of us don't know the circumstances surrounding her conception though. Quite possibly it was a traumatic situation which could have fostered a poor nurturing environment for raising a child. Instead, the mother surrendered her child to people who, by love and the grace of God, were able to supply the child with a strong start in life. Her seemingly healthy emotional responses toward her birth mother at the gravesite with newly seen relatives show that a miracle occurred in preserving this woman's gentle humanity. The thumbs-downers very well could be from birth mothers who are afraid of the emotional repercussions that this type of reunion would mean to them; but it doesn't necessarily mean that they are cold and cruel individuals.

[@yahney-marie]

WOThms True, to be fair. I mean because of of her happiness, though.

[@WOThms]

I most certainly agree with you on that part. Her happiness was palpable.

[@suey8227]

It's a wonderful story - she is 76.HEr days in life are numbered and i'm so happy for this lady she was able to find her family. She could have ten or twenty years left who knows, then again she may only have a few left. IT's great to think she has found what she was searching for.

[@shellchenonceau7832]

Take heart, the birth mom, after crossing over, could then "see" her 1st born was ok, and likely was "present" at the reunion. (I watch Sandra Champlain's informative Vlog on NDE's etc.)

[@tishleigh7026]

This was so beaitiful ! I am so happy she found them!!!

[@zwan1820]

Beautiful story ❤️❤️❤️

[@kathykent2167]

I loved going on your journey and finding your family

[@theresacolosimo5589]

You look like your mom, beautiful. My husband is adopted and found his family through DNA

[@tbearsghia1]

What a beautiful story of finding peace with family.

[@lokoforjustinbieber]

this was the main reason for my family registering for 23 and me too I hope we find out one day

[@threeicys]

Every child matters - choose adoption.

[@ezpic2]

You choose adoption, but the adopted are always looking for the ones who gave them away. NOT the ones who wanted & LOVED them. In this way adoption sucks.

[@cyndyroark9149]

@@ezpic2 excuse me. i wanted and loved my daughter. how dare you make assumptions.

[@kathrynwitte3398]

Choose adoption or fully help single women care for unintended babies with affordable healthcare, schooling, daycare and housing. Otherwise you’re not “pro-life”, it’s just a baby grab for infertile “Christians”.

[@ezj8262]

@@ezpic2 It just depends on the perception and view of the person.. there are plenty of people in the world who were adopted that believe that love goes beyond blood.

[@ravenel2]

Don’t ever blame a woman or girl for giving up her child from 1930-1975. Usually her parents forced her to have the baby in secret and give it away because they were so mortified and ashamed that they had a pregnant daughter. The pregnant girl or woman had absolutely no choice in the matter, and lived the rest of her life with the same feeling as if her baby had been kidnapped, but she wasn’t allowed to tell anyone. Read The Girls Who Went Away.

[@estherdoyle5939]

Thank you so much for sharing your story I had a good cry

[@sahpem4425]

She looks so much like her bio mom! 😍

[@gemmashannon9148]

This brought tears to my eyes. So a beautiful story.

[@carmenstefano8462]

How wonderful❤️❤️❤️

[@patbourke1334]

What a lovely story and family

[@NwoRun]

She looks like her mom. Amazing!

[@hannahmaii2]

They didnt say why winnie got seperated in the first place?

[@kikisian]

Half siblings? Maybe Mom had an affair while father was away?

[@RohenKapur]

Half nephew? Obviously she got pregnant, before she was married, and gave Winnie up for adoption.

[@christinef7739]

@Dulcinea Cervantes These are her half siblings. She's older than the oldest of them (her brother said joking that he's still the boss) so her mother likely got pregnant and put her up for adoption. Later the mother married and had the rest of the siblings.

[@ummiramli6554]

Me too . . . Why

[@ezpic2]

This is story not explored. The ones who loved her; adopted her, weren’t enough.

[@devildog6287]

I’m 58 and I recurved 23andMe for Christmas I was adopted at 6months I recently found I’m not alone I have found my paternal father who had 10 children which I have contacted if you wondered all your life who you are I would advise 23andMe as a start

[@Kaylab744]

Devil Dog hey, did you take the regular ancestry test or a paternal test to find this out?

[@suehofkamp8594]

Wonderful story. ❤️

[@Loralarify]

one of the most touching stories I've ever seen/heard... I wonder why her mom gave her up for adoption.. I wonder if her other siblings were adopted out or did they find each other also?

[@kikisian]

Wonder if the fact that they are her half siblings has anything to do with it.

[@jmk1962]

She was probably concieved out of wedlock which in those days was a hugely shameful thing and single mothers were ostracised by society unlike today.

[@kristinadaubney2068]

She looks great! Glad she found her family.

[@janicechobaniuk39]

she looks so much like her mother. How wonderful to be reconnected.

[@angiegraf3760]

Congratulations to your family findings. God bless you all. Since I received my results in Feb.2019,I have wrote to almost all the cousins listed and all types of stories we're told. Not one name in my list of names matched. My mother was adopted at birth by her Uncle, that she knew of and my dad was alone on the streets of New York at age 13 when both parents died 5 years apart. He had 2 living siblings.I offen wonder if I was adopted, hate to say it and think that way. I was even told I was Italian and turns out I wasn't. I'm always stressed out and confused about the whole thing especially when some cousins I wrote to say they can't see how we could be related at all and what names are in YOUR family which makes me feel even worse.I was going to call 23&me about it, but when ever I think about it, I cry, like right now.Excuse me.

[@lindapowers8592]

So very awesome and beautiful! She’s at peace💜

[@bernicehenson7598]

My daughter gave me 23andme as a birth gift. Well come to find out I found my 1st cousin and her daughter on my dad's side. She is his sister's son daughter. Then a young lady message me about being my 1st cousin. Well turns out she is my 1/2 niece. Her father who did the DNA kit also came up as my 1/2 brother born in June 1953. I was born July 1954. Big questions here cause he has 3 older sibling and one younger. From the father he only knows, wondering if my dad and his mom had an an fair ??????? Dad was a lifer in the Navy and played in a band. (Fact, I compared all these relatives against my dad's side and my mom's side and these all came up on my dad's side not my mom's) Then my oldest granddaughter got a message on Ancestry from a man asking if she knew anyone with this last name _______. That this was his birth father's name and he was adopted by his mom's 2 nd husband, when he was a baby. Turns out he also is my 1/2 brother on my dad's side also. He was born Oct. 1952. My mom divorced my dad when I was 3 months old due to him abusing her. I knew of my 1st brother born in 1952 when I was 12 yrs old. But he found out about me only 20 yrs ago. I'm just shocked by knowing I have another brother by my dad. Who knows how many more kids he has out there. I have a big family on my mom's side due to my grandpa being one of 13 kids and my grandma being 1 of 8 kids. 23 and Me shows I have 1180 distant relatives.

[@xiomarasanabria4263]

Wow, love this story the reunion, everything

[@lizzyscorner]

Oh this was just beautiful!!

[@Papin47]

Never too late, so happy you found your bio family. Spitting image of your mum to boot😊

[@vanessawyatt]

How beautiful a story, and what beautiful energy emanates from her. 🤗

[@missquiinn6695]

My grandpa is 88 he did 23&me last night he says he doesn't want to know his birth family but I know he does

[@anointed0friend1]

i pray he finds good results peace joy

[@RohenKapur]

And, has it helped?

[@texastea5686]

Update?

[@KatsPurr]

Just bawling my eyes out. *sniff*

[@AmySmith-hh5yn]

Such a sweet journey. I too was adopted and was lucky enough (after years of research) to find my birth mother however it was too late, she had passed away from colon cancer just months before. She was the only person who knew who my father was. I also found 4 sisters (seemingly from different fathers) and my grandmother, aunts and cousins. We are a military family so we don't have extra funds at the moment to do the 23 and me test. Finding the last link would be amazing and I am grateful that there is this type of service to help people like me who just so desperately want to know where they come from, who they look like, and if there are any health concerns within the family.

[@nancycollins5172]

Check out All of Us, a 10-year medical research project that will tell you where your DNA originated. They might let you know about relatives, I'm not sure. It's free.

[@denaredford6701]

Wonderful story . She looks like her mom .

[@maryannamerica6934]

Winnie...ya got me crying happy tears!!!!!! A USAF Veteran 🇺🇸 Maryann

[@patkelley5657]

I am still searching. Can't afford to take test. This lady is truly blessed.

[@20greeneyes20]

What a beautiful story. So happy for you!!

[@patriciajrs46]

Make me cry why don't ya? This is so great. Thanks.

[@leia264]

I hope to find my father's side of family since he died before I knew him. I was raised by another family, but always knew that something in my life was missing.

[@lindawicke1114]

I under stand.I found out I had a sister born 3 years before our parents were married . And we are full siblings. Awesome.

[@sylviaseri4235]

My husband is 65 and is still looking. The only relatives so far have been distant cousins.

[@QueenGomez1111]

I'm so happy for you! Congratulations, one day I pray that I can find my birth father and and family. I have been looking for more than 45yrs. I hope that you continue to be a loving family. ✌🏿🕯️💞

[@gloriabrown4606]

I will find my dna father or his kin before the end of this year

[@margaretcunningham7146]

How did you get on?

[@texastea5686]

Update?

[@shubhamsingh-lc8km]

Best of luck

[@soniabaker9790]

Wonderful! Speechless 😍

[@ttmistress]

Beautiful and I know her feelings

[@loragibbs9701]

How beautiful and I couldn't stop crying

[@fousies]

She looks incredible!!!76??

[@pcsingh2187]

Wow! She look so much like her mom. Her mom was very beautiful lady ! I am happy for her .

[@ginaevans3058]

So beautiful and touching. I'm so glad that you found your family, and got peace of mind. 😊

[@SimStarsTV]

This is very sad, her mother gave her up for what reason idk but was able to. Keep the other four she'd had. I know that must mess with her deep down. I'd feel horrible, but at least she finally found her family.

[@christinef7739]

The others are Winnie's half siblings so she has a different father. Mother got pregnant and put the baby up for adoption, then later met and married her husband.

[@judythompson5253]

lot of out of wedlock babies in those days, and young girls had no choice but to give up the child. The stigma was much too big. And few men wanted to marry a girl with 'another man's brat" around. I like to think it matters less and less the further away from it all we get.

[@carolthomas8743]

At 68 part of my family found me. They tried finding me for about 5 yrs. I moved around a lot over the yrs. A man who is my bio sisters step son knocked at my door 10 yrs ago. He told me I was one of 6 children and I was the oldest. I thought it was a hoax at first. It wasn't I called my sister that evening and set a date to meet. Two of the younger boys had passed. The oldest boy and youngest boy are living and my sister is living. In the last 10 yrs I've seen my oldest brother once, I've never seen my youngest brother. My two brothers live in NJ and I'm in FL. I may never see my youngest brother. My sister lives in GA, I have seen her several times. I don't feel a lot of kindredness with any of them. It's just not worked out in my case I don't think, It's hard. I've got a sick husband I can't leave to go up north. They have not offered to come to me and I've invited them. I'm so happy for u, have u stayed in touch?

[@58Kym]

I assume because she was the oldest of them and they were half siblings, that she was an earlier pregnancy out of wedlock. Happy for her, sad for the mum. Things were very unforgiving back in those days.

[@charleneshafer1332]

Wonderful story!

[@L8NZEN]

wow.. tears are flowing.. welcome home

[@bestmomcheck2046]

I frikin love these stories💖😭

[@robynryan7473]

my father died in 1993, and I was abandoned by my fathers family. but through DNA testing, I have come to learn that i have at least one surviving relative out of the 6 sir names in my fathers lineage, and have since messaged them. one was extremely close and we are half 1st cousins because our grandma and her great grandma married three times, and I found out that my father had two half brothers I was never allowed to know. She is an amazing cousin, my gosh, she is so open and friendly. I just hope that we can keep the communication lines open and we dont lose touch, cause she has been so enjoyable getting to know since January of 2022.

[@kskitchen-fw7uy]

Found my mom and dad. I know just how she feels. La Dolce Vida

[@sbc6045]

It's a wild ride. In my 60s now and never suspected I was the son of a celebrity. Just found out a month ago and I can't help feeling lied to my whole life. The man I thought was my father was adopted and carried an adopted name which he bestowed on me. He didn't stick around long enough for me to ever know him. I lived my life with an adoption name and no dad. Now I know. Kinda sucks.

[@gailtrebeschopper7158]

This is exactly what happened to me. A DNA test located my family after I had searched more than 50 years. All my life I wondered who I looked like and the answer came the moment I saw them!

[@flowersflowers5070]

Im so happy for you. We all need to feel like we belong.

[@germaineprien7691]

This is sooo cool! I've thought about doing dna testing but wasn't sure if they kept the results or totally gave it all to you, I don't want any of my information in some data bank if you will...🤔

[@molldogone8250]

So, so happy for Her. I know of but never knew my birth Father. He has since passed. He wasn't married to my Mom and had another family. I know I have half brothers and sisters but was afraid to pursue them. I just wonder if I should do a DNA. test in hopes that they would have done one also? I don't want to create any problems with their families.

[@invisiblepinkunicorn7626]

Molldog One,I would. What can it hurt?

[@backwardation25]

What about her father?

[@kaws93]

"While men can trace both their maternal haplogroup (from mitochondrial DNA) and their paternal haplogroup (through the Y chromosome passed down from their father), women can only trace their maternal haplogroup (through the mitochondrial DNA passed down from their mother). This is because the paternal haplogroup is traced through the Y chromosome, which women do not inherit." www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/

[@HighSierraDawn]

@@kaws93 Oh no. So cousins from a father wouldn't show up? :-(

[@lauraz2896]

Kamil Wszołek That’s only part of what 23andMe can tell you. It can also show DNA matches.