The Story:
Following my trip to meet Maggie, I received an e-mail from her that very same evening. She had very much enjoyed our visit, and she informed me that her daughter and son, Monica and Evan, were looking forward to meeting their new cousin.
Maggie’s message also stated that she had been touched by the fact that my grandfather had wanted to stay in contact. She wrote that Michael had a “big heart,” and she had a feeling that he “always held [me] close to his heart.” Apparently, had he and I met, “he would have given [me] a huge bear hug and maybe broken a rib or two.”
Lastly, Maggie wanted to let me know that she would be attempting to contact my sister Amy, as well. Amy was still in the dark about my existence at that point. I wasn’t certain how long it would take Maggie to get a hold of her.
The Emotions:
I was very pleased that Maggie had contacted me so quickly after our visit. Her actions gave me confidence in her desire to make me a part of the family. I had spent that evening telling some of my friends what had taken place during our visit. Everyone seemed to be intrigued, and I certainly felt the same way. The story seemed to be getting better and better.
I responded to Maggie’s initial e-mail as quickly as I could. I wanted to make sure that she understood how much I appreciated her willingness to meet me so quickly. The e-mail is below, and it sets the tone for how I felt.
Maggie,
First, I'd like to say that I'm happy you enjoyed meeting me. Second, I'd like to thank you for wanting to meet me. It's true, I had no expectations going in to our visit, but I think it's amazing how it was so comfortable and meaningful. It was a lot to take in, but it was also one of the most important days in my 28 years.
I'm excited to meet your son and daughter, as well as my sister. It blows my mind that I have a full-blooded sibling. I will make sure to try and get some more photos from my parent's home this week. I'll get them copied and sent off to you next week.
I think that our connection will continue to grow, and I'm looking forward to having more visits!
First, I'd like to say that I'm happy you enjoyed meeting me. Second, I'd like to thank you for wanting to meet me. It's true, I had no expectations going in to our visit, but I think it's amazing how it was so comfortable and meaningful. It was a lot to take in, but it was also one of the most important days in my 28 years.
I'm excited to meet your son and daughter, as well as my sister. It blows my mind that I have a full-blooded sibling. I will make sure to try and get some more photos from my parent's home this week. I'll get them copied and sent off to you next week.
I think that our connection will continue to grow, and I'm looking forward to having more visits!
The Advice:
I was a bit surprised to have received a message from Maggie so quickly. I don’t suppose there are any rules that govern that sort of thing. So, if you feel compelled to make contact again, and you just can’t wait, then you ought to do just that. I don’t think anyone should feel as if they must wait a certain length of time. You’ll just need to make sure that you aren’t being too aggressive, but follow your instincts. You are, in fact, biologically connected to your “new” family.
- Andrew
