|
The Light at the
End of the Tunnel Just when the dust seemed to settle another walking and talking example of my birthfather's over-active sperm popped up on the scene. My brother, Markis, who was the result of another one of Everett's many mindless affairs suddenly appeared. Everett and Markis' mother were married at the time--just not to one another. But why focus on the technicalities? She became pregnant and simply let the world believe it was her husband's child. She never told a soul. Today, Markis is quite amazed at his mother's ability to keep the secret. "In my family there are three ways to get information to others," he says. "Telephone, Telegraph, Tell Mom." His 'alleged father" (as Markis describes him) was never the father figure and left the picture before Markis was born. He spoke to his "alleged father" only once and that was on his 14th birthday. Although he had grown up with three siblings his 'difference' was very apparent. On some level he 'knew', as so many adoptees do. His mother became ill and felt it was time to finally tell him about his biological father. Near Christmas, 1996, as Markis and his mother were driving along the New York country side, she hesitantly said, "I have something to tell you." Markis turned to her. "So, are you finally going to tell me who my real father is?" He says her jaw hit the floor. Twice. "How did you know?" she asked. "How could I not? I don't look like anyone and I don't act like anyone! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out!" A searcher was hired and within a few weeks the father and son were in touch. The three of us met in Pittsburgh for a reunion in January, 1997. He met Carletta, plus the aunts, uncle and cousins the following May. Until October, 1999, we resided within 30 miles of one another in the Los Angeles area. He then moved back to his home in Rochester, NY. There's no accounting for taste...or lack thereof. And then there's Rodger. Never met him. I've never even spoken to him. When this began he was stationed in Germany in the Air Force. While in the states on furlough I called him but he never returned my call. He has not seen, nor spoken to, either of his sisters in over 12 years. Even Everett hasn't heard from him in quite some time. It's not me for once. If he ever desires contact I would welcome it. However, if I never see him I won't lose sleep. Of course the question remains: will any more of Everett's offspring pop up? Stay tuned. I, for one, believe there is at least one more loitering around out there. As Sonny and Cher remind us, "And the beat goes on..." |
