Discovering unknown family through DNA tests

[@misstriciaskitchen8640]

I did AncestryDNA early 2021. I found a mystery first cousin. I know all my first cousins so I wondered who she could be. I reached out to her and discovered she had no idea who her father was. After comparing matches I determined she had to belong to one of my mother’s brothers. One is living and one is deceased. I convinced my uncle to take the test. Turned out he is her uncle so the deceased uncle is her father. She finally knows who her father was and she is in contact with his other children. I never dreamed I would play a role in a dna mystery but it feels great.

[@elo0o207]

Me too I found a first cousin who I never met. That probably happens more than anything. People uncles... men period... are deff getting around

[@misstriciaskitchen8640]

@@elo0o207 that’s definitely the truth. Men do get around. When it first came up I asked my mom if she thought her brother might have a child that we didn’t know about. She laughed and said her brother was a rolling stone. When I mustered up the courage to ask his wife about it she laughed and said the same thing. But it’s all good. They accepted her with open arms and even went on a road trip to visit her. I cried when I saw the pictures of them together.

[@peachygal4153]

Me too. My mystery cousin was adopted at birth but had found her birth mother. My mom had one brother, so we assume he was her father. We thought possibly our grandfather had a fling at 67 which we ruled out as our second cousin grandson of our grandmother's sister matched her. That was on Mom's side then on Dad's side another cousin was found who was the bio daughter of one of my first cousins. We figured it out between the 2 of us, (I gave her a name and she confronted her mom with the name) and I am glad we did because she got to meet him before he died 3 years later. He had heart trouble and died at 65. Anyway, the story her mom told her she had recently broken up with her boyfriend and ran into her high school boyfriend and they hooked up once. So, she was not sure. The high school boyfriend was married and eventually she married the other guy when she was 2. He decided it did not matter, he loved her either way. they felt the odds were in his favor. Of course, this was early 90's when DNA tests were super expensive. Fast forward 25 years and she decided SHE wanted to know as she knew there was another possibility (Mom had been honest) although her mom had not given her a name.

[@Beverly2020]

My husband found out that his dad had an entire secret second family without ever leaving his mom. He has 5 (one deceased at birth) half siblings 10-15 years younger. Imagine learning that at EIGHTY. Turns out that they are precious people who have added to our lives greatly.

[@chicaarana1164]

Better late than never. That’s a lot to take for your dad at his age, but I’m glad it turned out well. Congratulations to you both.

[@Ceelle2]

Half siblings

[@sophierobinson2738]

Bev M Makes me think of the movie "The Amazing Mr Pennypacker".

[@Beverly2020]

Ceelle2 yes, that’s what I meant.

[@texastea5686]

Kinda like Charles Lindberg

[@patriciavasquez573]

My college roommate discovered she had a twin, at the age of 55, they live together now. stunning stunning identical.

[@shondarenee3186]

Wow!

[@stephaniemomma]

I would probably watch that reality show...

[@texastea5686]

@@stephaniemomma right?!

[@samanthab1923]

Oh I hate when they would separate twins! Especially identical. But they do connect right away after finding one another 😄

[@Jibbie49]

@@samanthab1923 They did it in adoptions years ago, because they had a huge number of couples wanting to adopt and a shortage of adoptable infants, plus they wanted each child to have the best care. My DD went to school with a set of identical twins and I heard their mother complain how twins cost so much - two of everything and nothing second-hand.

[@dbcruises]

Just TODAY I talked to my 73 year old sister I found out about yesterday. Thru 23andMe

[@michaelhargis7036]

Dianne may I ask a question? I'm thinking of using 23andMe but some reason unknown to me. Is it true they won't send you the results in paper form? They will only send it to you through Email? Did you then download the email and print off copies from there ? I don't personally know anyone who used this service. At $100 I have to be consirned with being scammed. Would love to hear from you on this matter. Have a wonderful day today.......... Michael

[@islandgirl9479]

Wow that was a long time waiting🙄😳

[@VickyRBenson]

Michael Hargis, I used 23andMe and really liked it. I know others in my family have used it.

[@billclifton5467]

My mother ,who knew she was adopted ...Found her brother at the age of 90

[@lisadiconti]

Wow.

[@corabales478]

I am glad I know who my parents & family are, & I know my cousins !

[@EgyptianDarling]

My kids and I took the DNA test for fun. A cousin match who was adopted soon reached out as she was a match through their fathers side. Being the genealogist in the family, I helped her discover who her family was and she met sibling she never knew she had. I was so happy to have helped her and she sent me a gracious thank you letter. The funny side of the story is that my ex-mother-in-law never wanted anything to do with my kids after I divorced her son because she was prim and proper and divorces and such do not happen in her family. Low and behold, it was her brother that fathered an illegimate child. The dumb cow still has nothing to do with my kids who are adults now even though they have connected with all their first cousins on facebook. She claims she is not ready. I don't think they really care. They were excited to find their first cousins. There dad ended up being a nothing that bailed out on child support and would never return any calls when I did find him.

[@sheashea4622]

What a blessing for your mother🙏🙏

[@lisahinton9682]

@The Colour Green How did the visit go? Are they both still around? Do they keep in touch? I'd love to hear more details of this.

[@deemariedubois4916]

The dad has strong genes. Anyone seeing the two sons together would know they were brothers. Good looking family.

[@shealuvm]

This is sad all these damn women living with lies and kids missing out out their Family 🤦‍♀️

[@pangkaji]

Even though they all said they are happy to meet each other and I have no reason to doubt it, their body language during the interview is revealing. The newly found son sits apart leaning in the other direction than his father and brother. His father sits closer and leans toward his "known" son.

[@juliettedauterive3745]

@@shealuvm Damn women, eh? Maybe you should walk a mile in their shoes before you judge.

[@erincoriell66]

My husband's deceased mom was a adopted and he found her half sister. He has an amazing relationship with his Aunt!

[@Uber1937]

🙏

[@Tracyl63videos]

I just found I have a sister. I never knew my father nor his name. I did the DNA test and I have a sister and now know the name of my biological father. This just happened in October 2019. I waited 56 years for a name.

[@m.edwards313]

Almost have a exact story. I knew my dad, but I always felt that the name he was using wasn't his real name. I'm also 56 and last August 19, I finally found out his real name and the names of his siblings and parents. I found a second cousin too.

[@craigandlisao9736]

I’m 51 Grew up in a foster home The man who I was told is my father died when I was 19,,,, I met him three times. He always denied saying he wasn’t my father. My mother swears he was my father,,,,, when I was 12 I was told by a family friend my real father was an Italian chef. I really want to get a dna test now. I’ve been asked my entire life if I’m Italian.

[@knicholson6003]

@@craigandlisao9736 I would be buying a test asap, my curiosity would be killing me. I hope you find out soon.

[@pattij.schwensen3066]

@@m.edwards313 people used to be able to “hide”…but that is no longer an option! It will all come out…eventually.

[@pattij.schwensen3066]

@@craigandlisao9736 did you ever do a DNA test to find out “the truth”??

[@thymeandtenderness]

My mother never knew her father. She did a DNA test and found her bio fathers family. Turns out they were looking for my mother’s brother and were shocked to learn that my mother was existed.

[@Jake-nk4wg]

I hope they treated her well.

[@joyceanthony-huff2914]

Your mother was existed? Huh???

[@cynthiarogers8262]

I was adopted and had met my birth mother. She had grown up with my birth father and told me I had half-siblings but wouldn't tell me their names. 9 months ago my DNA results turned up one sister. Turns out I am the second youngest of 5; four sisters and a brother. All were in complete shock. Sad for them that their entire family knew that I existed and no one told them. All but one sister have accepted me into their family; even coming to my house to celebrate Thanksgiving! This has been such a gift but sad as well that we have missed so many years. It's time to make up for lost years!!!

[@Uber1937]

Tu hermana te aceptará, dale tiempo. Muchas emociones.

[@ShrutiSharma-k2l]

My grandfather lost his brother 30 years ago...he was mentally unstable..so we don't have much information about him..can dna test will help us to find him even though we don't have much knowledge about him..please suggest me..thanks

[@TheCristallo83]

I found my biological father via Ancestry. I reached out through my cousin and my biological father had no idea I existed. I tried to connect with him but never heard back. I just want to add, as an adopted child, the people who raised you ARE your real parents.

[@lifewithcamille517]

Because they chose you and wanted you. Makes a huge difference

[@uzeela]

It drives me crazy all these woman doing fertility treatments to have children.. which is also cancer causing...Biology means nothing.. It's those who love you that count! Adopt!

[@cynthiascott8209]

As an adoptee myself, I completely agree! My adoptive parents will always be my real parents.

[@mbutterfly4180]

My heart warms! I too am adopted, my "real" parents are my adopted parents. So great to hear other adopted children speak out. I feel adopted children are still misunderstood because there are those stories about adopted children who talk about connecting to their "real" family. I found my biological parents through ancestry and it has been interesting for sure but my family is my family.

[@uzeela]

@@mbutterfly4180 I am not adopted but had an 'adopted' 'uncle' who helped raise me...who was the best dad anyone could have!

[@janetgreen4440]

I got a new sister at 72 years old through Ancestry DNA.

[@kaydee9583]

My dad found his Family at 79 One half sister and three half brothers still alive.

[@Bucketlistretreats]

wishin n hoping

[@kaydee9583]

@@Bucketlistretreats I take it that you are looking for your family. Don't give up. My Dad was 40 when he heard a rumor that his Father wasn't his real Father. I did all I could to prove this wrong or true. I came to think it was a lie. In 2013 He and I did a DNA test via Ancestry .com. July 2018 I got an email from a lady that was looking for her Father....It ended up that her Father was my Father's half brother. We found my Father's living siblings. Sadly her Father has already pasted.

[@sgtmomOK]

Mine was 74, born in 1944, during the war. Found her after a Christmas DNA gift test last year. Raised an only child, she's now oldest of 8.

[@nancywright9488]

zxcdfhmlkn.

[@beccadreams4992]

My daughter did 23 & me. She brought me home a niece! I am 1 of 10 and one of them had a child they gave up. I just love her!

[@michele21auntiem]

Did you find any health issues out? I thought about doing 23 and me.

[@beccadreams4992]

I think that you can. We just hot the basic one.

[@seekingjustthefacts]

I am dark brown skinned African-American, and was shocked to learn that my 2x great grandmother was Ashkenazi Jew from Poland. It answered the reason why I would have dreams centering around this older white woman. It also made sense why years before, I took my young son to visit Dachau concentration camp in Germany. I didn't understand why that was important to me that he learned that history. Now, I know.

[@MoPoppins]

seekingjustthefacts - Are you a water sign? Asking because your intuition is so naturally powerful.

[@seekingjustthefacts]

@@MoPoppins : I am a fire sign. But I have always had vivid dreams.

[@MoPoppins]

seekingjustthefacts - Do you know what your moon sign is?

[@emi-uq8kb]

Наши предки смотрят за нами. Эту связь не разорвать. Ваша история удивительная.

[@Uber1937]

🙏

[@SoUtHMeMpHis]

🤔I was kinda hoping the opposite. That some of my relatives aren't my actual family.

[@damianrhea8875]

SoUtH MeMpHiS I hope my father not my biological father, and my siblings at best my half-siblings.

[@SoUtHMeMpHis]

@@damianrhea8875 🤔........👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 trust me I seriously understand. Sometimes you just feel like you haven't been told something. Sometimes you're treated like a stepchild or the black sheep of the family. I kinda hope maybe some unknown relative somewhere has included me in their Will🤔. Sometimes you just feel out of place as if either you're a Stranger to them or they're all Strangers to you🤔

[@FourSeasons04]

DNA testing is fine for those who need to fill a void and/or want to reach out to unknown family members. I have no desire to do one 'cause I don't want anyone infringing on my life nor do I want to infringe upon others. My family is the one I have; some are close and some are splintered, but it is what it is.

[@SoUtHMeMpHis]

@@FourSeasons04 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍Understood. Also sometimes digging up the past with no support can isolate you from several people.

[@Dulcimertunes]

😉

[@denisetauben1930]

OMG!!! DNA testing rocked our world. My daughter pursued testing because My husband and I only had knowledge of one genetic parent; My mother. He was adopted and My biological father was a rebound summer fling. We discovered family in many states and we have had an AMAZING result. Surprising, cautious but open loving arms and many pieces of the puzzle being put together. We feel very Blessed with the continual growing family.

[@metzicrowden8218]

Lesson is: if you take a DNA test expect to probably find skeletons . Remember your parents are just people too. Good things, bad things nobody is perfect.

[@brat46]

Considering that both of my grandfathers and uncles had their girlfriends/mistresses; I am sure that I have more relatives that I don't know about.

[@MultiKswift]

I wouldn't say to expect that you will probably find skeletons, rather expect that you might.

[@teamcougars]

Considering my family didn’t talk about family history I’m quite sure there’s a few secrets hiding in s dark corners 😮

[@grod805]

This is so sad. I'm actually shedding a few tears for their other brother who died and never felt part of a family

[@TruthSayer2007]

That’s what I was thinking! They’re all joking how they berated him in his life saying “where did you come from?” Wow, you’re an awful sister to that poor guy. Try to be nice to this one.”

[@Edu_Kate]

I'd been looking for my great grandmother who died in 1895 after delivering my grandfather. I just learned her name last week and she's buried in the same cemetery as my grandparents. Road trip! I don't think it's the same feeling as these people's discovery, but I felt so excited. It's been a long search.

[@heidiavera5071]

Beautiful

[@Jake-nk4wg]

I think it's great!!

[@emi-uq8kb]

Это потрясающе.

[@chrisgordon5719]

A friend of mine was raised by his uncle. His Uncle was his father. The Uncle married his mother and raised him. He once said to me that his "Father" may not be his biological father, but he was his father just the same. ( What he actually said was a lot more colorful than that.) I adopted my wife's child when she was under 2 years old. She says that I am the only father she ever had. In spite of finding her Bio Father who refused to admit she was his daughter. And the contract he signed when he gave up all parental rights and the payoff he made. Just because you are a Sperm Donor, doesn't make you a parent.

[@stevendeitrich6933]

Circumstances at times when pregnancy occurs are not always what they should be . Many times people are too young & cannot financialy or otherwise be a parent . Sadly we become fertile years before we are able to be parents . Others do just reject it also.

[@joywatkins4760]

HELLO, I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT I HAVE THE NAME GORDON IN MY FAMILY TREE. THERE COULD BE A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THAT LAST NAME AS I HAVE FOUND WITH MY MOTHERS AND MY DADS. I ALSO FOUND OUT THAT WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP IN CALIFORNIA, WE HAD A LOT OF RELATIVES LIVING ALL AROUND US. IT JUST GOES TO SHOW THAT BEFORE COMPUTERS WERE OUT, I ONLY MET MY MOTHER'S HALF-SISTER, AND A COUSIN, HER SON WHO PASSED AWAY BEFORE HE WAS 21. I ALSO MET MY GRANDFATHER ON MY DAD'S SIDE. I HAD NO IDEA THERE WERE MORE LIVING OUT HERE AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW EITHER. I HAVE MY TREE IN HERITAGE. IT'S NOT AS EASY TO DO AS THEY SAY. I HAVE OVER 16K DNA MATCHES AND ALMOST 17K IN MY TREE. THEY DIDN'T TELL ME DOING MATCHES COULD LEAD TO 2 OR MORE OF THE SAME PEOPLE IN YOUR TREE. SO, SOMETHING I TRY TO WEED THEM OUT. WE NEVER KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN.

[@emi-uq8kb]

Конечно отец не тот кто родился а тот кто воспитал. Бесспорно. Доска вас любит и вы её. Это самое главное.

[@Uber1937]

Sí lo convierte en padre, el único. ¿Un hijo malo deja de ser tu hijo? La naturaleza no admite juego.

[@bonniebelair8470]

Imagine what would happen if they did one of these tests on everyone when they pass away. How many more questions would be answered

[@Jibbie49]

I think of the saying "Let sleeping dogs lie."

[@greenwithenvy553]

My husband found out he has a daughter ! Also his dad is not his real dad!

[@NolaChick82]

Good Lord

[@knicholson6003]

That'll take time to get his head around.

[@nillyk5671]

Omg...

[@michele21auntiem]

Wow!

[@lonniemartinez7337]

I just heard from a sister I didn’t know I had through DNA! Met her over the holidays!

[@debbiecooper1677]

The kid boxing looks just like his older brother

[@brooklynntruderung2154]

Thank you for covering a story on this issue . I myself finding out initial heartbreaking news from Ancestry , it is good to see that bringing attention to this can create a conversation with people and my family included to normalize and heal from all of the hurt it had created.

[@wandarichardson4213]

I am constantly amazed by these stories and people's reactions.

[@carlymartinez2953]

The people who bent themselves into a pretzel to provide, nurture, care and love you for your whole life ARE your parents, you just have a larger extended family now, in my opinion.

[@carlymartinez2953]

@Tasha Vladimiroff you now have a extended family, a bio family and the family that raised you. I am happy for you.

[@Uber1937]

No. Los padres los da la naturaleza. ¿Si tu hijo te abandona o es malo, deja de ser tu hijo? No vivimos en el cielo.

[@wvcricker5683]

Geeeezzzzz, the family I have is bad enough... Lord knows I ain’t lookin for no more to have to take on... 😂😂😂

[@Jake-nk4wg]

Bless your heart! :(

[@annamarielewis7078]

Me too. I always wished I were adopted as a child. Now, at 73, I’m satisfied with the part of the family I do talk to.

[@emi-uq8kb]

Я вас понимаю. Храни вас Бог.

[@KrissiCreates]

I was adopted. I found my biological Father and Mother. My Mother had passed, but found a half brother and sister and a huge family ! My Grandmother was one of 15, so you do the math on how many cousins I have. All have welcomed me with open arms. One of my Great Aunts is still alive and was the only living person to confirm my Birth Mother had been pregnant and put me up for adoption. My Father did not know anything about me. I later got details of their one night stand from my Poppa, aka Father 😳 LOL! I have 4 half siblings on his side. I forgot one big detail, I found them all just after my 60th birthday! My Poppa and I still talk each day, he's now 92 and I'm 65. Blessed beyond measure.

[@Uber1937]

🙏

[@LindaCasey]

Just goes to show that every generation has its own little secrets ..

[@shellchenonceau7832]

These people will be even more blessed if they'd realize that DNA does NOT equal love! LOVE AND KINDNESS EQUALS LOVE! ❤

[@joywatkins4760]

THAT IS TRUE! YOU CAN GROW UP WITH SIBLINGS AND END UP NOT BEING ABLE TO STAND ONE.

[@mimimonster]

I just love people being able to find each other despite past secrets or mistakes.

[@IcklemePickleme122]

I just found out I have two more sister’s. Thank you 23&Me!

[@Rr-qz5rc]

Found my big sister on ancestry. Best thing that ever happened to me

[@Franaflyby]

I just found out about a sister from another mister and she didn't want nothing to do with my mom for giving her up. These things aren't always happy endings.

[@mernafrederick5153]

She may have been raped, did not abort but put the baby up for adoption. .

[@mrzoltanonwinter2218]

Yes, it is true, these things do not always have a happy ending, but I wish all the best for you and your family.

[@lillpita]

I did a DNA test. Both of my parents were adopted in the 1930s.. .I have found both families with DNA and some non identifying information that actually did identify them.

[@joywatkins4760]

I HAVE A TREE IN HERITAGE AND DID MY DNA THERE. I JUST DID IT BECAUSE MY FAMILY WAS ALL GONE AND I WAS CURIOUS BECAUSE MY MOTHER WAS MARRIED BEFORE MY DAD. I HAVEN'T FOUND THE MAN SHE MARRIED, BUT IT ISN'T IMPORTANT. I GREW UP WITH MY BROTHER AND SISTER WITH MY REAL PARENTS.

[@pattij.schwensen3066]

@@joywatkins4760 Just an FYI as I have seen you respond to several different people in an incorrect format. May I offer a suggestion, as you may not know this. Please don’t respond to people using ALL CAPS during your reply. It is considered YELLING and it is also rude.

[@chrishill4322]

I also got a new family last summer. Another brother and a still living grandfather and bunch of cousins and confused aunts?

[@angelaleroy3525]

My cousin found out his dad was not his, & that his bio dad was his childhood best friends dad. My Aunt finally came clean after 40 years.

[@damianrhea8875]

Angela Leroy So your cousin is his best friend’s half-brother?

[@NolaChick82]

yikes

[@nickydancy4087]

Awesome so they are brothers thats so cool for them. I pray peace and blessings upon them going fwd in this thing we call life...

[@emi-uq8kb]

Ого! Вот это да.

[@CheleBoxy]

My dear cousin learned that the man who raised him was not his biological father. Without giving details, we, as a family, were quite shocked. Glad there is a support group.

[@kryan1364]

His "real" family is the one who raised and loved him.

[@sgtmomOK]

Anyone's REAL family are those who love you like family - even those of us found by DNA later in life. You have no right to deny our ties.

[@Uber1937]

No.

[@pattiwhite9575]

Opening a can of worms. I want to know if my dad has any unknown children out there. My sister not so much. My point was ..What if there is someone out there desperately searching for the information for years.

[@Jibbie49]

I've read that it can be "a can of worms" as not all these reunions turn out great.

[@checle4499]

My mother never knew her father, never wanted to know. It was a very sore subject and was part of the reason she was estranged from her mother and raised by her grandparents. She died in 2005. I took the test last year and now at least I have a family name. Large family and don't know which man was her father, but I have several wonderful 2nd and 3rd cousins trying to help me figure it out. Thank you Ancestry, for expanding my world. Now, if my 1st cousin (my aunt's daughter, adopted out) would just show up as a match, life would be complete.

[@SJ-co2gg]

Remember there are multiple DNA companies that do different result types. Check each one AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage

[@Jake-nk4wg]

@@SJ-co2gg Not only about results but because this other relative might have used one other than the one cheri cle used.

[@joywatkins4760]

I DID MY DNA IN HERITAGE. I FIRST WAS WORKING ON A TREE IN ANCESTRY, THEN TRIED HERITAGE. I LIKED HERITAGE BETTER. I FIND A NAME AND LOOK IT UP FIRST IN HERITAGE, THEN I TAKE IT TO FAMILY SEARCH, AND THERE YOU CAN CHECK YOUR RELATIONSHIP.

[@sheashea4622]

No one is perfect and we all make not so good choices, decisions, mistakes, etc., because we are flawed human beings. However, I whole heartedly believe that every child has the right to know who their father is, whether he is considered good, bad or whatever. Just my personal opinion.

[@joywatkins4760]

I FOUND OUT, A LOT OF THINGS I DIDN'T KNOW WHEN I WAS GROWING UP. MY PARENTS KEPT THINGS TO THEMSELVES. I TRIED TO ASK QUESTIONS, BUT MY MOM, THOUGHT IT DIDN'T MATTER. SHE SAID WHY DO YOU WANT TO KNOW ALL OF THAT. I ALREADY HAD 2 OF MY KIDS AND SAID, ONE DAY MY KIDS MIGHT WANT TO KNOW WHERE THEY CAME FROM.

[@sheashea4622]

@@joywatkins4760 I hope one day that you will find the answers that you want and need and deserve to have. Just ask the Lord to prepare you for the answers that you receive. Be blessed😊😊

[@lorrie2878]

How interesting! My husband found his family through Facebook. Someone recognized his last name. His dad left when he was not born yet but he has connected with half siblings and others. The photos we have gotten could be my husband or my son. He visits them and they visit us...

[@absurdlyy9009]

Tom's eyes are breathtaking!!

[@spiritisalive1]

My DNA test revealed my brother had a son. Confusing I know. I took a DNA test, his son took a DNA test in hopes of finding his biological father, but instead found me, the biological Aunt. My brother never thought he'd even have a child. Come to find out, he not only had a son, but a newborn grandson. Bittersweet, because the girlfriend got pregnant, ran off (he didn't know she was pregnant). Raised him on her own. So my brother never got to be a part of raising him.

[@nanettep6231]

My husband and I did a search on our own in the mid-90’s, before computers and the DNA database there is now. Through our efforts my father, an adoptee, met his biological older brother when he was 70, and his mother as well, who was 90. Subsequent DNA testing has shown some surprises, one of which was a biological sister we never knew about until a year ago.

[@pizzafries]

Unfortunately sometimes the family that raises your child,doesn't do such a good job.

[@Chickenfanatic713]

Don’t take the test if you are not prepared for the results. I was comparing my results with my sister and found out we had different biological fathers. It turned out I had a a half brother that lived less than a couple miles from me.

[@joywatkins4760]

I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN DOING IT OR IF YOU HAVE A TREE, BUT WHEN YOU GO DEEPER INTO THE ANCESTORS, YOU WILL FIND ALMOST EVERYONE YOU MARRIED OR HAD AS A BOYFRIEND WAS YOUR COUSIN. AFTER A WHILE IF RELATED AT ALL AND STILL LIVING THEY WILL BE A COUSIN.

[@emi-uq8kb]

@@joywatkins4760 Ого. Наверное вы живете в изолированной местности общиной.

[@jennifern2805]

I flew to CA to meet a cousin by marriage of my half brother this last year. Unfortunately, his dad had passed and never knew. Such a lovely family that I hope to see again soon. I was surprised to see that the stats were so high for surprise relatives (27%?!) I'm always disappointed when hear a family rejects unknown/hidden/adopted child. They aren't to blame for the parent's action. It's like victimizing someone twice.

[@jmk1962]

That's so true. Adoptees have to pay for the sins of their parents when tbey are the innocent ones

[@jennifern2805]

@@jmk1962 It would be refreshing for one to be able to make decisions best suited for themselves without judgement from society. Unfortunately, there will always be the holier than thou types who like casting stones.

[@jmk1962]

@@jennifern2805 - I think society was very different back in the 50's and 60's when if someone had a baby outside of marriage it was considered a very shameful thing and birth mothers had to make decisions based on societies predjudices unlike today where no one bats an eye if someone is a single mum. I can understand why birth mums from that era are then shocked and feel ashamed when their child finds them and wants to meet them as their 'secret' is about to come out and possibly ruin their lives as they may never have told anyone including their husband that they had a child before meeting them. That's why any adoptee doing DNA to try and find their birth parents has to be prepared that they might not be welcomed. It is sad, but is understandable as society was very different to today, so any adoptees should proceed with cautio in their search and also should be prepared that they might be rejected and it might not be the happy ending they hoped for. The best outcome for them is if they get to meet half siblings of their own age who are open to meeting them even if their birth mum isn't, as hopefully they are less judgemental and are more understandimg that the adoptee didn't ask to be born and had nothing to do with it, so should not be punished or shamed.

[@nickydancy4087]

Yep...that right there is so true.

[@joywatkins4760]

I DON'T BLAME THE CHILDREN FOR WANTING TO FIND OUT WHO THEY ARE RELATED TO. I FOUND OUT I AM RELATED TO QUITE A FEW FAMOUS PEOPLE. IT CAN BE FUN AND EXCITING. EVEN IF YOU DON'T GO MEET THEM.

[@Itallnew]

Trying to forgive people in my life that have lied to me. It’s been such a struggle. I have no idea who I am. Heartbreaking. I am grateful for the family that loves me. Love is stronger than DNA.

[@Uber1937]

Encontrarás a tu familia.🙏

[@mjrmanson1]

I took a DNA test to find out what happened to my dad's parents. My late father had always said he grew up in an orphanage. I found cousins and learned that my dad was actually a teenage runaway. His family has always wondered what happened to him. I feel sorry for his parents (my grandparents) and his sisters (my aunts) who went to their graves not knowing what happened to their son. I love hearing stories from my new cousins and am so glad to know the truth.

[@joywatkins4760]

ARE YOU RELATED TO THE LATE CHARLES MANSON? THE FAMILY THROUGH MY FATHER'S MOM WERE MADDOCKS, THE NAME MANSON BASICALLY CAME FROM THEM. MANSON HAD A SON, NOT SURE IF HE PASSED AWAY OR NOT. MANSON WAS WITH HIS MOTHER AND SHE MARRIED A MAN WITH THE LAST NAME MANSON. AS IT TURNED OUT MANSONS MOTHER WAS MOLESTED BY HER FATHER AFTER HER MOTHER DIED. HER FATHER EXPECTED HER T DO ALL THE THINGS HER MOM DID LIKE CLEAN HOUSE, COOK ETC. THEN HE TOOK IT FURTHER, SHE FOUND OUT SHE WAS PREGNANT AND RAN AWAY. THEY DON'T TELL YOU THE WHOLE TRUTH ABOUT THE STORY.

[@omfug7148]

I found out that I have a half brother from my mother, I was not surprised however, my mother was sort of wild, and this brother was born a decade before me.

[@tootsla1252]

I’m from a family of eight children; my dad was from a family of nine. I have 32 first cousins. I keep waiting for a DNA surprise of some sort - but so far - zip!!!

[@emi-uq8kb]

Ого. Вот это да.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

The boxer looks just like his older brother, and dad.

[@becauseijustdid4367]

My husband found out he was an NPE last fall. We had to figure out not only who his bio father is but, his bio grandfather on his mom's side.

[@Star-hk6gc]

I did mine on ancestry and once it was finished I found a lot of surprises. Heritage was one, but also many relatives I had no idea about. One situation: Has anyone heard of ‘twin’ cousin? The DNA comes back the same percentage as being a sibling but really it’s like two brothers married to two sisters of a different family. And their kids share a higher percentage of dna than typical cousins. Anyway mine is a long story but became so overwhelming for me because I have had so many people who never heard of me before, contact me, that I have had to step away from it all. I’ll get back to it though.

[@nghtwtchmn129]

I have heard of this as "double cousins."

[@Star-hk6gc]

John D my mistake. You’re right!! 😊

[@FourSeasons04]

I think your story illustrates why I have no desire to do the test. I don't want people contacting me nor do I wish to contact anyone. My family is the one I have and know; not the best nor the worst. As they say, it is what it is.

[@jammier6483]

My 2 identical twin brothers married identical sisters and their kids come up as siblings not cousins lol

[@princesssochi1006]

We have found out a lot of things we should have been told & never knew. Found out a Great Uncle was adopted in 1898 & didn't know until he was an old man. A lot more, but what you are told isn't always what is. After WW2 there were thousands of Jewish children that were kidnapped and sold. There's the awful woman/I forget her name/ that kidnapped children and sold them....I think somewhere in the south. The orphan train's.

[@SewingwithPatrick]

OMG. The sister and brother look like twins!!!! 😲😲😲

[@jennylacomb]

Even if you think you're absolutely sure, you can get surprised. I did one and thought I knew. I did it simply to find out where my ancestors came from. Thinking I wouldn't find anything more than a second or third cousin multiple times removed. But I found out I have a half sister a couple of months ago. From one of my dad's previous relationships. He never knew about her because her mother never told him or her about each other. It was a huge relief for him to know because of the circumstances, he suspected but never could know for sure. We're going to meet up for the first time in June and we're literally counting down the days.

[@karlacorcoran1375]

two years ago, I took a DNA test, I found a 1/2 sister and 1/2 brother right away, and since then I have found 2 more. My mother held her secret for 60 years. We have a family weekend planned this May 2022

[@heidiavera5071]

I'm really interested to find out results

[@leelulady2010]

Found out officially that my family member has a different father than her siblings. It was suspected because she didn't look like the rest of them and her "father" verbally abused her. Got a suggested close relative that could be a half brother to her thanks to Ancestry DNA. She's contacted him and is hoping that he will respond.

[@SJ-co2gg]

I hope she hears back soon and that it will be a positive experience (especially from how you said she was treated in life)

[@leelulady2010]

@@SJ-co2gg me too! Nothing yet.

[@SJ-co2gg]

@@leelulady2010 Thanks for the update and hope she gets a positive response soon

[@madoldbatwoman]

The only reason I did a test, and why I stay on the site now, is on the off chance that a couple of siblings I strongly believe are out there pop up. My father was a philanderer who traveled for work. He actually introduced me & my sister to one of his affairs when we were about 10 & 8 - we spent the day together!

[@Jake-nk4wg]

WOW!!

[@jitaamesuluma9730]

its so painful to watch , imagine being him , i went through the care system , so i know sort of his pain , finding my birth siblings

[@crystaltelf288]

Every child deserves to know who their real parents are, I think there are a lot of lies and misdeeds out there.

[@smithamy1982]

Considering the awful family secrets I’m aware of, I don’t know if I want to know any of the ones I don’t know about 🤷‍♀️

[@tardwrangler]

I'm happy that people are learning the truth they deserved to know.

[@cosettelaplante699]

My late father, who left when I was 3, was adopted. I finally reunited with him via phone call about a year before he passed. Somehow his bio sister had gotten my phone number off him before he passed. She reached out to me and gave me some family info... I think did an ancestry dna kit AND was able to start a family tree. After all these years, I finally find out where my short, chubby body frame comes from- my dad's side. I also discovered that his family originated from Quebec. They settled there in the 1650's to 1700's, via France. Several fille de roi in my family tree. Sadly, I do not speak French... and I don't see me ever being able to pronounce French words.

[@teemarie5478]

I took one & found out that my dad I grew up with wasn’t my bio dad😓 the only reason I took the test was because my husbands father was adopted at birth & my husband thought it would be cool for us to both do it. Talk about flipped my world upside down🥴

[@emi-uq8kb]

Самое главное что он любил кас как родную.

[@debrathomas7735]

Family is where the heart is...God bless them all...mistakes happen but they don't define who you are...

[@Uber1937]

La familia la da la naturaleza.

[@fetengineer9151]

OMG! I'm African American and I found out my mixed race family dates back to 1600s to "Poynton Manor" Port Tobacco, Charles County, MD as indentured servants to the Gov William Stone bloodline for many generations... we then migrated West into Madison County, KY around 1790s. I'm very proud of my entire family but sad at the same time due to the circumstances & conditions my ancestors endured... so, I honor both sides... my black DNA and my white DNA, I honor them both. Otherwise without both sides, I wouldn't be here as I am today.

[@BrenB125]

Yes, it's sad to think of what family went through. But we live now and try to make our kids happy and healthy now.

[@amandabroad6139]

The poor family where the boys were switched was an awful accident. DNA doesn’t wreck families, lying people wreck them

[@angelscf57]

I found two half brother's I never knew I had and found out who my bio father was as well.

[@MusicLover-ff6kh]

My dad, my sister and I took the DNA test but not the ones that you .We all grew up thinking all our life that we were Egyptian. We take the test and we find out that we are a huge percentage of Native American over 60 percent.

[@SolSkinn]

I worked in one of these call centers an let me tell you, it is the hardest conversation you will ever have with a stranger. We weren't allowed to say, "this result means your father is not who you think it is..." I figured out how to lead people to that realization. And sometimes, usually, they are very old people who can never ask their parents why. In the end, the test isn't going to change who walked you down the aisle, or taught you to ride a bike, etc... people need to be aware when they take the test that this might happen.

[@Uber1937]

Lo cambia todo.

[@SolSkinn]

@@Uber1937 absolutely.

[@Radnally]

Cant handle the ones i got

[@charlottewashington1756]

Ain't that the truth

[@esthermoore7911]

I'm so sorry. I haven't taken a DNA test, but never felt I belonged to the family I lived with all my life...

[@nickydancy4087]

Ikr...Tell me about it..lol

[@nickydancy4087]

@@esthermoore7911 that is sooo true my 2 siblings r very different than me. I often wonder why do my immediate family and a few cuzns and other relatives treat me like an outsider. None of them have tried to have a conversation with me. Sylvia Browne wuz a psychic on the Montel Williams talk show back in the day. A person in the audience said wut u and i said. Sylvia told her that is bcuz that wuz a last life cycle. Im not sure exactly wut thameans. Until i read ur comment i haven't thought about it in yrs let alone the stmt Sylvia made to the woman. I'm curious...in ur opinion do u think wut she said is true?.

[@miatap21]

The DNA confirmed three of my five brothers and sisters share The same mother and father. The other two were not tested but we have no reason to think otherwise. Boring I know, but I'm thankful! I feel for those who must make this painful journey into the unknown.

[@devanmarsh4416]

This happened to my mother...thinking her stepdad was her real dad...her real dad died long B4 she found out 😥😥😥

[@supachaloopa3611]

There have literally been thousands of stories about how babies were switched at birth- some on purpose, some by accident, and some with reasons unknown. I'm about to do my own DNA test, and I certainly don't expect to find out any horrible secrets, but at the same time, I don't plan on contacting distant relatives just because I find out I'm related to them. Life is what it is. Not everyone wants drama in their lives.

[@Emy53]

Such pain in his voice. It could have been an innocent switch, but who knows. Yes, he will always be her brother.

[@Carpenterdane]

I recently found out I had a bonus nephew through DNA testing. Thankfully my brother got to know him before he died just a few months later.

[@DASands1]

My mother told me when I was 37 that I had a different father than my sister and two brothers. I have searched over the years on line. I found some information not much.At the time that my mother told me.well the reason was I keep asking her. Because some how I just new. The man that I thought was my father was physically abusive, because he knew. He was not a good man. My mother got sick not to long after she told me. I didn't get to talk to her about it. I'm going to be 57yrs old in a few weeks. This has been something that I have felt I need to know. I have a feeling that has been with me as long as I can remember, even as a little girl. I'm going to do a DNA test. Maybe I can find something.

[@donttrip7880]

I hope everything went well. Did you find out?

[@donnachaban2068]

There are more stories like this than we actually know. Especially before, during and after WWII, love stories abound. It would be beautiful if someone wrote a book, if sons and daughters were willing to share their stories and their parents' stories.

[@sgtmomOK]

My family just found a sister born in 1944. My mother is still alive and was able to tell her many stories of our Dad. My mother denied knowing the mother, but privately told us she was a girl with a bad reputation. Before anyone gets all huffy puffy defensive, let me point out my sister found her bio mom in 1983...who swore her to keep it secret, and refused to say who her father was. He was never told. This woman ended up having an affair with her new found daughter's husband, breaking up their 30 year marriage. Men aren't always the villain in these stories.

[@SJ-co2gg]

@@sgtmomOK Wow

[@timdillardnc1]

I found out too. I had 7 siblings I didn’t know that I had.

[@LinYouToo]

A few years ago, a woman reached out to me on Ancestry. She was adopted and looking for her birth parents over the course of six months. We worked through our mutual family tree connections to try to figure out where a potential connection could be. We finally narrowed it down to two likely branches on the tree. She looked up their contact information which was in another state and made phone calls, but they thought it was a hoax so she wrote them letters explaining what was going on. Fortunately, they agreed to take a DNA test. It turned out. They were half siblings and shared a father, the father had passed away. And so had his wife and no one in the family knew anything about the baby girl given up for adoption. It’s quite possible he never knew he had this baby girl to begin with. Although it was sad to know her father had passed away it was also very exciting because her 4 half siblings opened their arms to her. She is still looking for her mother.

[@SSsmith24]

No it wasn’t a happy experience at all... broke my heart💔

[@ScarlettO323]

its heartbreaking...hugs

[@beasleyspice4404]

I am sorry...💕

[@RepentfollowJesus]

I found 2 half sisters on my dad's side. I never knew him as he died right after I was born. One had passed away already and the other one rejected me. It really hurt me. I had put off looking for them for fear of being rejected. I have had matches on my mother's side ,but now I am afraid to pursue them. My mom passed when I was 7. The whole situation is hard to cope with.

[@MoPoppins]

Mary Wylde - Hope that even if you don’t establish a connection with your blood relatives, you would still find peace with your identity, purpose, and place in this world. 🙏✨💕

[@RepentfollowJesus]

@@MoPoppins I found peace with Christ 😊. I had to let it all go. Thank you for your kindness.

[@Jake-nk4wg]

@@RepentfollowJesus My heart cried for you; so glad you have peace. Remember, one of your nieces/nephews/cousins may contact you. Be prepared for this and I know you will give them immediate acceptance. Enjoy your life!! :)

[@emi-uq8kb]

@@RepentfollowJesus Не отчаивайтесь. Самое главное что вы на этой земле и вы нужны этому миру. Если вы родились на этот свет значит это нужно.

[@Uber1937]

Dales tiempo. No sabes la historia que hay detrás. Es tu familia.

[@kevinhoward9593]

Thankfully we have safeguards that should eliminated this situation.

[@samanthab1923]

I remember my cousins & I found proof that both our moms were pregnant when they got married. When my mom confirmed it, my dad was not pleased. He never wanted me to think he didn't love my mom. They just got married sooner rather than later. I was the oldest of 5 & my cousins were 1 & 2 of 11.

[@debbieomi]

Lots of babies "born early" back in the day. My best friend's parents pretended their wedding date was two months earlier than it really was. Had one of those decorative plates on their wall. I mentioned to my mom that their anniversary was the next week and she explained the situation. (We were raised knowing our own family "secrets" along with those of many family friends.)

[@rosencain]

I had a cousin contact me who was adopted. Another cousin who I became friends with and I helped her start compiling a list. from the family trees we had started. My father's maternal side has huge families each generation (he was 1 of 12, his mother was, etc...) So there were a lot of people it could have been, but pieces started falling into place. We were able to narrow down some info for the cousin that led to a paternal connection to the family. She contacted some an aunt who was still alive and she was able to tell her about her father and the time her mother had come out to visit (before the pregnancy) Sadly her bio-dad passed like 2yrs before she did the test, but her bio-mom is alive and was able to tell her what she wanted to know.

[@labaccident2010]

This makes me want to try a dna test.

[@MercyAlwyz23]

Dang! So glad his aunt sad that to him! He must’ve been really worried they wouldn’t accept him anymore!

[@enidclarke6258]

If man can rip apart people from their families and treat them worse than animals, this should not surprise us.

[@orscrub3161]

i think surprises happen more than we think. we found a son of my brother we never knew existed. sad to say my brother passed not long after finding out but had not yet got to meet. this is a Pandora’s box. how we deal with it, it can be good or bad

[@Rr-qz5rc]

Found my half brother on ancestry. He showed up as my first cousin, but I knew I had no uncles so I was like “???”. Turns out that’s how they show up when they don’t have enough DNA to go off of. When my dad took the test on ancestry, it confirmed that they were father and son, and it updated my brother from first cousin to close family.

[@msmills3030]

Tom Johnson has a wonderful family.

[@kcsheff]

I knew I was adopted and found my biological mother and father thru 23andme. It wasn't easy, but if you dig, you can find the answers.

[@jen9774]

My granny was one of fifteen siblings who all reached adulthood in perfect health and who spread around the world producing children of their own. I dont need testing to gind any more family members - quite happy with those I've got. 😂😂😂😂

[@victoriagarcia5533]

This must of happened a lot in the 10940s. My late grandmother told me that when she delivered my uncle they took him to the nursery and when they brought him back she noticed that it wasn’t her baby. The wrong baby had a long chin unlike hers.

[@timdillardnc1]

I am part of cathy Sinclair’s gropp. I found out I was also related to her on her mother side.