I’d like to speak to the manager!!!

More than a year ago, I posted that I’d finally found a photo of my biological father.  I didn’t know anything about him, but I did know what he looked like, thanks to a friend of mine from college

Meanwhile, during 2020, I’d tested on Ancestry hoping to match.  

Unfortunately, everyone was a 2^nd or 3^rd or 4^th cousin.

So imagine my surprise when I logged on today for the first time in forever, and discovered a new match.  A sister.  With a name.  To be honest it knocked the wind out of me.  I knew that she existed but I’d always been hesitant to reach out on Social Media until I knew for sure.

Finally, there was proof. 

So I took a deep breath.  I took a drink of bourbon and I wrote the following:  

Hi.  My name is Jeff Fightmaster.  I was born in Paris, Kentucky in 1965.  My mother was from Paris and had lived in the area her whole life.  My mother was not married when I was born and I’ve spent my life not knowing who my father was.  Years ago, after a huge argument she finally gave me a name.  That name was ____________.  She would tell me nothing more.  She died 6 years ago, and took to her grave whatever the truth was concerning my birth.  I did ancestry during COVID but the matches were vague.  I reached out to a few people, but to be honest I think they thought I was trying to scam them.  Which is far from the truth.    Imagine my surprise when I logged in today for the first time in months and saw that you had tested and were listed as my half-sister.  I had done a little sleuthing and knew you existed, but I was hesitant to reach out to you without knowing for sure if it was true.  I have wondered my whole life about my father.  What he was like? Was he happy?  Was he smart?  Was he kind?  These things mattered very much to 12-year-old Jeff.    I live in Maine now, with my partner Adam.  I have had a great life, and don’t expect anything from you.  However, if you were open to it, I’d love to know about the man who was my father.  I’d love to know more about you and your family.  And I think from a little checking, I also might have a brother. I know this is probably shocking to you.  It would be to me as well.  If you are open to chatting let me know and I’ll reach out with my number.  I looked you up on Facebook, and I saw that you are friends with _____ and _____  ______.  ______ was one of my best friends when I was in grad school at the University of Kentucky, and I’m sure if you reached out to them they’d assure you I’m an okay guy.  I hope I haven’t shocked you too much.  And I do hope to hear back from you.  Best Wishes.  

I read through the message a couple of times.  Then took another deep breath and a drink of bourbon and hit send.  

I’m in full anxiety mode right now.  

But the deed is done.  As with everything else in my life.  I’ll keep you posted.