How I Found My Sister, Pt. 8 (The Conclusion)

For what seemed like a lifetime, I awaited Marsha's response.

Would she respond with more info proving we are brother and sister? Or more info proving we aren't? We've been hoodwinked. Bamboozled. Led astray. Run amok. We didn't land on Plymouth Rock, Plymouth Rock landed on us!

Sorry. Guess I channeled Malcolm X there.

Finally, I get the email. Once again, not verbatim, but it went a little something like this.

"Jimmy

Well...my mother called me today and confessed to her clandestine ways. She figured it's probably time I knew the truth at 23. She was just trying to protect me, which I guess I understand. It doesn't lessen the anger,but I am working through it. So, yes. YOU ARE MY BROTHER! There is no further debate upon the subject. I look forward to getting to know you!

Marsha"

Relieved and elated, I calmly leapt from my chair, did a back flip and landed on my head. After coming out of my coma, I did it again. I can't even explain how blessed I felt. It was official! I have a baby sister.

Over the next couple of weeks, we emailed and talked on the phone. Catching up for 23 lost years in a matter of 14 days is no easy task. But, we managed. We both have the gift of gab. Yep. We're related.

We wanted to meet up, so we made plans to do so. She came out with a friend to New York City. We had gotten to know each other over the phone and via the internet, but hadn't had a face to face. Okay, now what do I wear? I didn't want to scare her with my keen fashion sense. Note to self: Put the leather and chains away. For now.

I was to pick her up at the train station. Now, we had sent pictures, so we knew what the other looked like. And sure enough, I see her coming toward me! Yep. That's my little sis. We hug for quite awhile and just start with the jabber jawing. I felt bad for the friend she brought,because she barely got to say a word. I must have seemed like I was big pimping to sis. At the time, I was subletting this enormous apartment with a balcony and all of the accoutrements. And, since I knew everyone in the bar and restaurant biz, we got free meals and drinks. I tried to explain to her that the apartment thing was temporary and that I just happen to know a lot of people in the restaurant biz. She probably thought I was some multi-gajillionaire.

There we are. Sis on the left, me and her friend. See? We even dress alike! It's like those old commercials. "Martha burns her hand while lighting a candle. Meanwhile, over 1000 miles away, her mother burns her same hand while cooking. Coincidence? I don't think so!"

We had a great time, of course. I just showed her around and wined and dined. We didn't get too much into the family history. We just tried to enjoy each other and learn all that we had missed.

A couple of months later, I went out to New Jersey to visit her. We spent the day at the Jersey shore and hung out on the boardwalk. We even took one of those old time photos.

It was pretty funny. There was this high school girl setting us up for the picture. I guess she didn't realize we were related. She started to put Marsha's leg over my shoulder and we had to stop her. We just met and all, but it's my sister for the love of Pete!

I liked saying that. My sister. It was like I had discovered a new phrase and had to keep repeating it. Sort of a catch phrase. My very own, "Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?"

Over the years, we have become extremely close. I really feel like we grew up together. As does she. I love this girl more than anything and it's the greatest thing to ever happen to me. Naturally, I think it's the greatest story ever told. (Sorry, Jesus.) But, I'm a bit biased. In retrospect, even through all of the anger and deception, I'm glad my father finally said those words 10 years ago.

"By the way, you have a sister."

And that, I do.

Comments

[Josie]

That is just the sweetest story! You guys definately look a lot a like.

[Priscellie]

Wow. Your sister is beautiful! I'm so glad the story had a happy ending, and that her mom finally 'fessed up.