The last 4 weeks have been great.
Debbie, Krystal, Jan, Joyce and Marisa have fully embraced me as their cousin before we even found out officially if we were genetic family.
But, the wait is over.
The text we’d been looking for came. Krystal’s test has completed. “The results are ready. Log into AncestryDNA.com”.
Did we get the answers we wanted? Did we find out who CJ’s biological grandfather is?
The answer is: YES. Albert Volk Senior.
Krystal, CJ and CJ’s Mom: Mary Jo
Krystal opened her results online, and there was my Mom’s name at the top of the list. Krystal was moved to tears and exclaimed, “I HAVE AN AUNT!”
Quickly, the news excitedly spread to the rest of the cousins.
The following night, Debbie and Krystal made a special stop.
They indeed, did have a lot to talk to him about. But questions like these still exist:
Did he know my Mom existed? Did Ida (biological grandmother) ever tell him she was expecting?
We will never, ever know.
What I do know? This 7 month research project has concluded in the most fantastic way.
My mom has reconnected with her maternal cousins after 70 years:
CJ’s Dad and Mom along with Harold and Bonnie Long and Della Burks.
We’ve visited the location of “Ida’s Shed”.
A small building on the farm in Spring Lake that housed collectibles she fancied until a severe storm unfortunately destroyed it.
Brooklynne standing on the location of Ida’s Shed
That my mom and I have a BOAT LOAD of newly found paternal cousins. And that my Mom is biologically an Aunt to several nieces and nephews.
I’ve had A LOT of help along the way and must thank a few people. Starting with my best friend, Erin Tyler Olson. She helped me search online many-a-night for records and leads all along with the way.
And a special thanks to Diane Jockisch. Ironically, our friendship began because we thought we were going to be related through “Robert”, who was originally thought to be my Mom’s Father. But after that was proved incorrect with DNA testing, Diane continued to help me sleuth. She made calls and asked questions looking for any information that we may find. In a twist of events, we found out that she IS my cousin though, through a different way. She is also a Volk.
And finally, a special thanks to Margaret and Ervin Rowell.
Thank you, for adopting my Mommy.
You two did a fantastic job raising her, and I think of you often.
You were such a great role model for God and love, that Grandma, I choose to wear your wedding ring as my own.
I know you loved each other so much, thank you for loving my Mom, and Rick as your own.
Thank you.
