New Beginnings!

PROMETHIUS88

I apologize up front as this isn't sports card related but I wanted to share anyhow. To keep within the guidelines however, I will say that I think I have become addicted to 1962. 62 Topps baseball, 62 Topps Civil War News and 62 Jell-O cards. The Jell-O is what I have decided to focus on for now, as difficult as it may be.
So, to give a little background, 27 years ago(when I was 21), I found out that my mother had a child prior to meeting my father that she had given up for adoption. It was 1963 and the decision was made that it was in the best interest of the child. I asked my mother at the time if she ever wanted to try to find anything out about this person. She told me no as it was difficult and wouldn't want to disrupt their life. Besides, the records were sealed and we wouldn't be able to find out anyhow. I think it was something that she probably regretted at times but knew it was for the best. We never discussed it again. That brings us to 3 weeks ago. I get a voicemail from a gentleman that says he is looking for his birth mother and uses my mother's married name. While I was curious, I figured since he used her married name and not the maiden name that she had when he was born, that he was probably looking for someone else with the same name. I was also a little skeptical as my father had passed just 6 months ago and was concerned about a possible scam. Needless to say, after a couple days I called him back. After a couple of questions that only the person with access to the birth certificate would have, I realized I was talking to the brother that I never thought I would know or meet in my life. He is 6 years older than I am and wants to know who his family is. He lives in California and I live in Illinois so the distance will probably make a close relationship difficult. I am going to plan a trip out to meet him and we have both agreed that we want to do a DNA test just to make sure. Thing is, I really have little doubt as he reminds me so much of my grandfather who passed away 35 years ago. We have had to keep this under wraps for the most part as my mother's mental capacity isn't the best and we want to do what is right for her. The last 7 months since my father's passing have been difficult at times but I'm so thankful to have this new beginning . It's ironic that after suffering a loss of a father, I may well be gaining a brother. Thanks to those of you who have listened to my rambling. The folks on this board are a part of my extended family, well dysfunctional family at times, and I appreciate you all! God Bless! Tim

LOTSOS

Super cool! Very excited for you. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Kevin

Sdub

Tim, that is very heartfelt story. I'm glad you shared it with us, and it is absoutely 100% on topic. Keep us up to date on your quest to meet your brother, and completing the Jell-O set.

BillyKingsley

That's pretty cool! Maybe you will find out he's a collector also, how cool would that be? With the advances in modern technology like video chatting and Facebook and stuff, it probably won't be as hard as you may think.

Brick

Heartwarming. Congratulations.

Stone193

Hiya Tim

Thanx for sharing and I wish you all the best going forward.

erikthredd

Great Story Tim. Good luck in building a relationship with him going forward.

PROMETHIUS88

Thanks to you all! I almost forgot I posted this. I'm super excited and already scoping out card shops in the area when I'm out there! If anyone is from the Pasadena area and knows of any, let me know!

JBrules

Thanks for sharing Tim. Wishing you the best and looking forward to the updates.

divecchia

Tim,

This is a great story and I wish you all the best going forward.

Donato

Arsenal83

Gave me goosebumps just reading this. Good stuff Tim and hope it all works out.

MarsAttacks

That is awesome! I just shared this story with my wife and we're so happy for you! All the best!

SOM

Fantastic, heartwarming story, Tim. That is what you call a real 'find.'

stevek

That's a great story, and without a doubt you will immensely enjoy meeting your brother.

Wouldn't it be interesting if he also liked 1962 Topps cards or is a Nolan Ryan fan?

Brian48

Congrats. Best of luck with this. Hopefully it will work out soon so you can inform your mother. I'm sure this bring closure to a lot of things she's probably kept to herself all these years.

PROMETHIUS88

5/2 update. Scheduled the trip and flying out to meet him this weekend. Going to do the DNA test just to be sure. Been interesting so far and should have results in a couple of weeks if not sooner. As a bonus, going to hit the Frank and Sons collectibles show in Industry City, CA on Saturday. Hope I can find some treasures!!!

divecchia

Tim,

Good luck with the meet and at the show. Hope you guys hit it off.

Donato

PROMETHIUS88

Just a quick update. Had a nice 4 days in southern California. Went to the Frank and Sons collectibles show. Not many booths with sports cards but there was actually some decent vintage stuff at a couple of them, just not what I was looking for. Then hit a card shop in Glendora, CA. This old guy had a wall full of boxes with individual packs in all sports going back years. I would say there were easily 300+ to choose from. Sadly, he explained that he did have Jell-o cards, which I was looking for, but unfortunately they were locked in his safe which he hasn't been able to get into for a year.
As for the brother thing, it was great getting to know this gentleman and the DNA results came back today confirming that we are indeed, half brothers! Going to be interesting to see where we go from here!!!

Stone193

locked in his safe which he hasn't been able to get into for a year.

Hiya Tim

Good to hear about your brother. All my best moving forward buddy.

On the guy with the safe? Wow.

PROMETHIUS88

Hahaha, it was disappointing to say the least. He's old and has been there for 30+ years. He had some good stuff but the place was a mess. There were so many cards, including some PSA stuff that you could tell had been in direct sunlight way too long, which was a real shame. The cards and even the flips were faded. Many raw cards were the same way.

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PROMETHIUS88

Lol, the guy in the shop is pretty old. And my brother and I are getting close. He is 54 and I am 48. As long as you feel young at heart, doesn't matter what your body tells you!

divecchia

Tim,

Glad your moving forward with your brother. Wishing it works out well for you both.

Donato

Panama Mutiny (Formerly lawyer05)

awesome!!!!! Found my dad i never knew when I was 29
.communicated after that thru facebook not that much in common he lived in texas and me in Florida..cool thing my half brother best friend in high school became my best friend...and ours sons played for 12 years together on the same baseball team..

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PROMETHIUS88

@han_soto said:
Great story. I can loosely relate with a 20 years younger half sister and we both feel we grew up with only child syndrome.

It’s funny how, at the time, life’s dark moments actually turn out to be blessings years and sometimes even decades down the road.

Not sure if you have seen the movie “Charlie Wilson’s War” but there is a great scene about the “Zen Master” that relates to perfectly to these kind of stories.

Funny you mention that movie, I had never seen it until about 5 days ago. You are correct.

It's really been great getting to know my half brother and we talk as often as possible. I'm not sure how or if life would have turned out any differently had I known him 20 years earlier but I'm glad I've gotten the opportunity. My full sister has not embraced the situation.....well, hasn't even talked to him, which I don't like, but that's not my choice. I know he was going to try to get here this fall but we are still reluctant to let him see my/his mother because of her dementia. I think he has every right or to at least let her know and see what happens but again, a bit of a battle with my sister.
Hoping to schedule another visit out to Califoria in the spring to see him and his family again!

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