Meeting Robert plus a surprise (biological father)

Finally Friday had arrived. I was more nervous for last weekend then I can explain. I am not sure why other then I didn't talk to Robert in advance but a handful of times. He came with his wife Cindy. (Love her by the way)

Here's the play by play.....
We decided to meet at their hotel after their plane arrived, which of course was late. They texted once they arrived and I played FBI in the parking lot watching them go inside after parking their car because I wanted to wait for Michael first. Once Michael arrived we went inside and waited in the lobby. After the initial reunion we all went out for a wonderful dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, BJs.



We planned on bringing the kids swimming at their hotel the following morning and called it a night.

Saturday Morning

We got up ate breakfast packed a swim bag (on the coldest day of the year so far) and headed to the hotel. Robert met us in the lobby and we followed Brooklyn who was running in excitement for swimming. I was so concerned with her jumping in the water without a swim suit I was not aware of my surroundings. Ever have that feeling that someone is looking at you.....while digging for her swim suit it hit me, someone was looking at me.... SURPRISE. Victoria (paternal bio sister) and her wonderful husband and boys had driven all night to meet us as well. After lots of hugs and a few tears we got the kids into the pool.




The rest of the weekend was filled with conversation, food, fun and getting to know each other. I cant wait till their next visit.

All in God's time

(make sure you read today's 1st post before this one....just scroll down)

So the second question when finding bio parents....Is always who's my father? This is where my drama in the situation began. Lisa stating that she knew who he was and him questioning it. Not that I blame either one of their points of view, frankly I cant tell you what I did when last week let alone 29 years ago. So through this process the 'accused' father and I lost communication. After multiple attempts of trying to re-establish communication with him and lots of pray I decided to contact his daughter.

After a few weeks of conversation, Victoria (his daughter) graciously agreed to go through DNA testing with me. We found a company with locations near both of us, and got swabbed. It took exactly a week to get the results back and.......

We are sisters. I have now gained 2 sisters in a matter of months. I couldn't be more happy! She then contacted her father to share the news. We found out around 12 and by 9pm I was on the phone with my birth father, Robert.

This whole experience has been a roller coaster of emotions. I believe there is a reason God chooses a certain time in your life for you to know certain things and people. I look forward to meetnig this side of my extended family.

I am so thankful to have the answers 'pieces of the puzzle' that I searched for. This entire journey has made me so thankful for God and my family and friends who have always supported me with my decisions through out life. Thank you to all of you and I love you all. A special thanks to my mom, Kim, God gave me you and he couldn't have done a better job. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being the best mom in the world and an amazing grandmother.

Meeting Lisa and Katie (birth mother and maternal birth Sister)

Wow it has been a long time since I updated, how time flies. In August I met Lisa, my birth mother who made the trip to Texas for the reunion. We had a wonderful visit and I learned a lot of the Welker family history. After a day we drove half way between Dallas and Houston (where she was vacationing) to meet Katie and her boyfriend Joe. We had a lovely lunch and learned that we liked a lot of the same thing. I look forward to growing these life long friendships I have made with both of these women.

Beginning the meeting process

It's official.... I will meet my birth mother, Lisa on August 19th. It's seems so strange but exciting. I am hoping to also meet my birth sister, Katie as well. She will be in Texas but not DFW.

Update

When building this blog I expected it to be a way to share with my family and friends how my search was going, the process and information. I never expected it to be the way I found my birth mother. I recently shared this blog on facebook and a couple forums and message boards I am a part of. A lday contacted me that read my story and entered my information on adoption.com, she suggested I check into it....

Within mintues of entering my information at adoption.com only 1 entery came up. Baby girl Welker. Come to find out all these years I had miss read the paper and I was searching for Walker. Everything else matched and with only 1 leter different in the last name I call my mother and ask her to check the last name again on the adoption papers, sure enough WELKER was the last name. I begin trying to contact her. I sent an email but since she registered over 2 years ago I worried that she may not have that email address, so I turned to facebook but couldnt find her.

Michael began working his internet magic, watch out the poor soul who dates our daughter. He first found her husband, then her, and then daughter. Again I turn to facebook, the only one I could find was her daughter. Not knowing what she knew and not wanting to cause any family problems I sent a simple message: "I am trying to reach your mother" and a way to contact me.

The next day to my surprise I had a message. I had done it. I had sucessfully found my birth mother and sister I never knew I had. I will continue to update through the jouuney. I still have others I would like to find like my birth father and any possible siblings by him. So now begins the next step in the path.....

So many questions! Where to begin?

I would like to add a thank you to my family and friends who have stood beside me through this difficult journey. Thank you so much for your support. And to my wonderful husband, thank you! As I always tell you, you are my rock, I love you.

Basic Information

Hello,

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rena. I was born November 1, 1982. I was born at Freeport Memorial Hospital in Freeport IL. At birth I was adopted by two of the most wonderful people in the world. I was given more love than anyone could ever want. However I still feel that hole, the hole of not knowing where I came from, people that are my DNA. So I call out to you with the little information that I have hoping that someone will read my story that knows something about my past and find a connection.

I was born on November 1, 1982. I know that my birth mother was not finished with school (college I believe). I was born at Freeport Memorial hospital in Freeport IL. I was adopted through Lutheran Social Services of Peoria IL. In all of my court documents I was referred to as baby girl Walker. I believe that this must be her last name as I don’t believe that my birth father ever knew that I existed.

I am not looking for money, or to interrupt a life that I am sure has continued since she made the choice to give me up. I am just looking for information a connection or possibly some answers. If you read this and may know ANYTHING that could help in my search or possible know my birth family please contact me or ask them to.


Thanks!

Rena

Beginning the search

I plan to officially begin the search for my birth family, not because I dont love my family or need a new one because I have been overly blessed with my family but to satisfy a feeling inside. After having my daughter 2 years ago I have felt a void. I reliezed that she, and now my son, are my only 2 flesh and blood. I dont know much about my birth parents but I am determined and would appriciate any advice on searching one can give. I plan to track my journey and update here. Wish me luck!