 April 22, 1994 Meeting my birthfather, Everett, for the very first time.
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Daddy's Home! It wasn't until I first spoke with Joyce that I had the name of the man who was the other half of the team responsible for my being here. Within three weeks I had located his oldest sister, Helen. History does repeat itself. Like Joyce, my first contact with my birthfather was through a sibling. When I first spoke with her, and explained who I was, she calmly responded, "Well, we've often wondered just how many children Everett had." It was as if a stray child was common place on the family doorstep. Little did I know just how true that was. She told me of three more siblings. She also told me that Everett was on his sixth marriage. I didn't have to wait a week this time. Helen called Everett who, in turn, called me. "Charles?" "Yes?" "This is Everett." "Hi, Dad, can I borrow the car?" The first few minutes we cordial, and just slightly strained. He asked, "What's your blood type?" I told him I had no idea but was more than willing to get that information for him. After a few moments of casual conversation (as casual as you can be with a total stranger with whom you are related) one of us cracked a joke. I couldn't tell you which one or what it was. The result was both of us laughing. My God, but it was the same loud garish laugh. This was followed by silence filled with realization. He then said, "This is real isn't it?" "Yea," I whispered, "I think it is." There was no need to check blood types. He then asked, "Would next week be too soon to visit you?" Needless to say, one week was just too long of a wait (the result of living in a 'Cheez Whiz in 30 seconds' microwave society)! I said, "Your sister tells me you've been married six times!" "I have not!" he exclaimed. "I've only been married five!" He married his first wife twice so she only counts as one. Or so he claims... When I picked him up at the airport I asked, "What do you want to do while you're here?" He looked at me and said, "Talk." And we did just that. |
