Family Found: The Dna Journey

By Douglas M. Dubrish

Embark on a compelling journey of self-discovery and familial connection with "Family Found." This heartfelt memoir chronicles the author's profound odyssey from adoption to uncovering the truth about his biological family. Having lost his adoptive mother and with an adoptive father who remarried, the author shares the deep-seated desire to unearth the secrets of his genetic heritage.

In this book, the narrative unfolds through meticulous research, starting with traditional genealogy methods and evolving into the groundbreaking realm of DNA testing. The author candidly details the emotional process of finding potential siblings and the imperative quest to learn about biological parents, unraveling unexpected twists and turns along the way.

For adoptees and those on a quest to reunite with their biological families, "Family Found" offers invaluable insights and guidance. The book not only delves into the significance of official documentation pre-DNA testing but also provides a thoughtful discussion guide for reading groups, facilitating meaningful conversations about the complexities of the adoption journey.

Explore the intricacies of reaching out to DNA relatives through services like 23andMe and Ancestry DNA, navigating the delicate balance of understanding their motivations for taking the test. Uncover the art of crafting purposeful and considerate messages, fostering trust, and building connections that stand the test of time.

The author, through personal anecdotes, shares the challenges of confronting unexpected revelations, including the discovery that some 'trusted' state documents were not entirely truthful. Uncover the impact of conflicting information and the undeniable truth embedded in DNA results, where the unfamiliar surnames of relatives become a tangible link to one's roots.

"Family Found" is not just a memoir; it's a guide for those grappling with their own adoption narratives. It unveils the author's journey from a childhood realization of being adopted to the profound moment of uncovering long-lost siblings. Ultimately, the story unfolds to reveal three half-sisters and three half-brothers, each adding a unique chapter to the author's life.

This informative and compassionate narrative does not seek sympathy but aims to provide a source of strength and understanding for readers navigating their own biological histories. If you're adopted, "Family Found" may well be one of the most enlightening and relatable books you'll ever read. Embark on this transformative journey and find solace, inspiration, and a deeper connection to your own roots.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Douglas M. Dubrish
• Release date: Jan 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215484289

Douglas M. Dubrish

An author, researcher, and biographer, Douglas M. Dubrish was born in Michigan, U.S.A. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science from The U of NY Excelsior College. He is a veteran Air Traffic Controller of the U.S. Air Force; and the U.S. Department of Commerce, N.O.A.A., National Weather Service where he issued media warnings and statements, briefed pilots, and provided weather observations. As a historian, culture writer, and biographer he has authored many family histories and an increasing number of New Age books with compelling subjects.

Book preview

Family Found

The DNA Journey

First Edition 2022

Revised 2023

Copyright © 2022 by Douglas M. Dubrish

All rights reserved.

Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1 Childhood Curiosity

Chapter 2 Family Trees

Chapter 3 The Family Puzzle

Chapter 4 Who are you?

Chapter 5 And, Who Might You Be?

Chapter 6 Understanding the Past

Other Books

About the Author

Discussion Guide

Introduction

Welcome to a remarkable journey, should you choose to embark on the path of taking a DNA test and discovering your DNA relatives through renowned services like 23andMe or Ancestry DNA. Before diving in, it's essential to conduct a bit of genealogical research on your biological family, focusing on the surnames of potential relatives. This will help you confirm the identity of the DNA ancestors you'll connect with. There are various methods you can employ for this purpose.

When you decide to send a private message to a DNA relative via any of the DNA services, it's worthwhile to ponder the reasons behind your relatives decision to take the test in the first place. What sparked their curiosity? Was it to explore potential DNA-related medical conditions or simply a curiosity about their ancestral connections? I highly recommend carefully crafting your message in advance instead of sending a spontaneous one. There are valid reasons for doing so.

As you may already know, emails can sometimes be misinterpreted due to the absence of vocal inflections that help convey intent. It becomes challenging to gauge whether someone is serious, joking, or otherwise. Depending on your choice of words, your private message to your DNA relative could unintentionally come across as demanding or harsh. Naturally, that's not the tone you'd want to set in your initial contact. It's important to be considerate, exhibit genuine sincerity, and reflect those things in your message. Keep in mind that the person you're reaching out to will be taking time out of their day to respond to your inquiry. Building trust and establishing a friendly connection requires time, faith, and patience. Ultimately, your goal is to find your new family, one that you hope to become a friendly member of.

Always remember that the person you're contacting may be privy to various family stories, including potentially sensitive or hidden information. Are you prepared to hear about personal skeletons that might come to light?

In this book, I recount my childhood revelation when I first discovered the meaning of adopted as a young boy. Growing up as an only child in a neighborhood full of children never bothered me until I learned how to read. It was during my adulthood that I delved into genealogy and pursued original documents, beginning a captivating hunt for my biological family. However, I soon discovered that some of the original documents, as revealed by DNA results, were not entirely truthful. Often times the biological father listed may not be the father at all, just a stand-in.

Many individuals are faced with conflicting information when they undergo a DNA test, often finding unexpected results. Nonetheless, DNA results do not deceive. You'll come across numerous unfamiliar surnames among your DNA relatives, but one thing is certain—they are indeed your relatives.

This book chronicles my journey of uncovering the existence of a brother or sister and my approach to family members as an outsider seeking family information. It also sheds light on the shocking realization, through DNA testing, that the trusted and certified state documents I possessed were in fact deceptive.

As a result of my long search, I've now connected with three half-sisters and three half-brothers. Those I've been able to reach out to have proven to be truly amazing individuals! I consider myself blessed and grateful that, despite receiving state documents I believed to be legitimate, I persisted with DNA testing and found the truthful answers I was seeking.

In creating this book, my intention is not to seek sympathy for my personal journey but to offer potentially helpful insights. Undoubtedly, you'll find parallels between my experiences and your own biological safari.

If you're someone who is adopted, this book may well become one of the most enlightening reads you'll ever come across.

Chapter 1 Childhood Curiosity

During my youthful years, I possessed an insatiable curiosity. Our house was a treasure trove, with every drawer, closet, couch, entry sliding doors, and basement holding countless wonders waiting to be discovered. The allure of these mundane spaces was enhanced by my childlike sense of wonder, infusing even the smallest things with a touch of magic. Each morning felt like the beginning of a great adventure.

In 1958, at the tender age of five, I began my educational journey at Lambert Elementary School in Oakland County, Michigan. Mrs. Bixby's kindergarten class marked the start of my academic years. It was in first grade, under the guidance of Mrs. Aspenwall, that the foundations of reading and writing were laid. By second grade, Mrs. Barker had us engrossed in the collection of stories about Dick and Jane, accompanied by their faithful dog Spot. These readers were a common sight in 1950s schools, and we all took