15/05/2025
Today marks the day I met my father. He has a warm, kind nature and carries a calming presence. Earlier this month, when I reunited with my birth mother, I asked her about my father. She revealed that his name was Alonzo and that he was completely unaware of my existence. Interestingly, the incredible DNA researcher who helped solve my case had also told me that Alonzo was likely my father.
Knowing he had no idea about me, I was incredibly anxious about reaching out. I carefully composed a message, fully aware that what I was about to reveal would come as a complete shock. I braced myself for either silence or outright denial. (Let’s be honest, we’ve all heard plenty of stories about fathers who reject their children.) But to my astonishment, that’s not what happened at all. Instead, Alonzo responded almost immediately, expressing his happiness at the chance to meet me. He even offered to drive to Nashville, telling me, "You just let me know where and what time." He sounded genuinely excited. The relief that washed over me in that moment is something I can’t even begin to put into words.
I decided to travel home and meet him in Corinth. We both arrived early. Sitting in my car with my mom, we watched as a man walked by. I hesitated before stepping out for two reasons: first, my nerves were overwhelming, and second, he looked way too young to be my father! My mom and I kept debating—
"Is that him?"
"No, it can't be. He looks too young."
"Wait… that has to be him."
"Oh wow, it is him."
"Yeah, I’m still not getting out."
I was so anxious. But eventually, I gathered the courage to step out and introduce myself. We ended up talking for nearly an hour. It turns out, we are both naturally quiet and reserved—something that my adoptive mother, Sara, had always wondered about when I was growing up. One particular moment from our conversation stood out to me. I asked him about his tattoos, and he showed me one that had the names of all his children inked onto it. Before we even moved on to discussing his next tattoo, he said without hesitation, "I’ll have to add your name to this as well."
Even though everything felt positive, I still had lingering uncertainty. For my own peace of mind, I asked if he would be willing to take a DNA test with me, and without hesitation, he agreed. Before we parted ways, he looked at me and said, "I hope you are mine."
I walked back to my car, sat down, and broke into tears.
Unless you’ve experienced it, I don’t think people fully understand the deep-rooted feeling of being "unwanted" that so many abandoned children grow up with. No matter how loving the family that raises you is, that lingering question always remains in the back of your mind. That’s why those words hit me so hard.
Later, his wife called me, and she was incredibly kind and welcoming. I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to connect with my paternal side. I am beyond blessed to have birth parents who are not only happy that I found them but also eager to be part of my life.
Credit: Janessa Hope
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