The brother and sister I’ve never met

February 12, 2012


I was only given this photo about six months ago. It seems incredible but until then I’d never seen a photo of my half-brother, and I’d only seen a picture of my half-sister as a young woman. I had seen her once, at my father’s funeral; but she did not want to meet us. I have never seen my brother.

I was about eight when I first discovered my dad had left another family for my mum (three years before I was born), and I always felt very sad for them; it seemed so wrong that they grew up without him while my sister and I had him all to ourselves. Of course the reality is that he did try to see his son and daughter as often as he could, but ultimately, it became impossible.

My sister – she would be about 17 years older than me – has not been heard of for years. I do not even know if she’s alive or dead. We have tried to contact my brother, without success.

But if I look at this photo, I feel a bit happier about everything, because they look happy. My sister looks uncannily like me at that age, too.

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  • Mummy Matters February 28, 2012 at 12:13 pm

    I only met my half brothers and half sister nearly 3 years ago. I nearly fell off my chair when a message popped up on my facebook saying “hi, I’m your sister”. Our family history isn’t important, needless to say that I am the older child who was brought up by my single Mum and they grew up with my father. It was hard in the beginning but I am now very happy to have a good relationship with all of them x

  • DD's Diary February 13, 2012 at 3:03 pm

    Gosh, it just shows how complicated families can be. What a shame your sister doesn’t know how sad you felt on her behalf – but maybe one day …

  • Tattie Weasle February 12, 2012 at 10:38 pm

    They do look happy. You never knoiw in the fullness of time . I am sure if they ever do decide you will welcome them.

  • Isra February 12, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Thanks for sharing. My son’s has a half brother who neither of his parents want us to call brother. It’s very sad when only one part wants to try. Hopefully things will change soon and you will make contact.

  • Cath Bore February 12, 2012 at 9:31 am

    What a sad story – it brought tears to my eyes – I do hope you find out where your siblings are and make contact.