Meeting My Family For The First Time

Posted on 10.04.07 in Family and there are 9 comments.

(Little Kat circa 1977)

I never knew my mother.

She died when I was nine months old.

She was from the Philippines and at the time she was the only one from her family who lived in the States.

Last April my brother and I traveled to meet our aunt who had moved to California. She was getting married and she wanted us be a part of her wedding. My mom was her older sister and her hero and she’d wanted to meet us for a long time.

It was amazing. We learned a lot about Filipino culture, a little about our mom and got to know a number of family members.

I don’t know if it’s Filipino culture or just my family, but they treated us like absolute royalty. To this day, my cousins (20 something guys, no less) call, text and email me regularly. Everyone was so excited to meet us and at the wedding we were introduced as guests of honor.

My brother and I grew up with our dad’s blonde blue eyed Dutch/Swedish side of the family so it was really special for me to meet a woman who looked something like me.

Well, another aunt is in the states for a few months, so they’ve invited me to come to a party they’re throwing.

So, tomorrow I’m taking my oldest daughter to meet the family of the mother I never knew.

That’s pretty special to me.

(Perhaps this time, I’ll actually be able to figure out how many aunts and uncles I have...)

The Comments:

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is that why you’ll be in california?  I hope you have a great time, and what a good story.  I love the Filipino students I’ve had they’ve all been super lovely.  but truthfully, i’m a big softie and I love all of my students!  even the growly ones.

I’ll be praying for safe travel for you and the small one.  Have a great time!

Wow Kat, what an amazing story.  How awesome that you could all be reunited, and that you can continue to create relationships with them all.  Have a good time!

(that top picture of you is so cute!)

I love your picture!  TOO CUTE!

We had a field trip today.  I got your message and will call you Monday since you will be out of town. 

Have a safe and FUN trip.

Look forward to talking with you soon!

That’s wild!  My husband’s family is like that, very large so he has family he doesn’t even know about out there.  Me, my family is pretty small and we know everyone, no exceptions.

You look terrific!

Wow, how fantastic. My ex-boyfriend is Filipino. The culture is amazing.

That’s so exciting! I’m so happy for you!
My best friend is Filipino and I absolutely love her family and their parties and spending time with them. I think it’s totally Filipino culture--they all seem to value their family so much. They would do anything for each other--even way distant only semi-related relatives haha--and not only that, but they are so much fun and know what good food is.
Enjoy your trip!

My brother was married to a Filipino lady when I was younger (he is 13 years older than me).  He married her while stationed in Subic Bay.  Her name was Linda, and she looked alot like your Mom.  She was the only Filipino I had ever seen in Waco.

I really liked her when she came to live with my family.  My brother was on sea duty, so he brought her home to stay with us since she had no family in the US.  She was a great cook, and loved to laugh. 

It was very hard for me to understand when she left, being only around 9.  She had contracted TB, and the Navy sent her to a hospital in Colorado.  She fell in love with a nurse or doctor there and never returned.  But I always remember her fondly.

I never knew about your mom...I finally got to meet my dad and siblings in 1999.  It’s interesting to meet family as adults.  I hope you had a good trip!

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