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Inspiration ⁄ Search: My brother is the only living son
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Under5feet
July 7, 2018

life HAPPENS

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I was inspired by this weeks AGC to scrap about an important person in your life that I have known for more than 35 years and journal 50 plus words.

Aunt Lucille was in my life before I was born. It was 1948 we lived in Pacific Grove, CA and after my birth aunt Lucille came across town to help my mom because I am the youngest of 6, she needed help and that's what family did especially if they were in close proximity. Two lots away facing the main street Lighthouse Avenue was the Chiver's Cabinet Shop where Richard Chivers, his two sons Richard and John worked. Aunt Lucille on her walks strolling me would talk to John Chivers and get to know him and he became my uncle John. Aunt Lucille always said it was because me of me that she had met uncle John. Small problem, he wasn't Portuguese and they didn't let that get in their way.

They bought a darling house in P.G. that is now on the National Register of Historical Houses. They have 3 children John Jr., Suzanne and Thomas who were raised in that small house. Aunt Lucille and uncle John were such a delight and I spent most of my time with them when I went to grandmas for 2 weeks every summer. Always looked forward to those two weeks and I have such cherished memories of those summers way back when.

It is now 2016 and our friend Renee loves working on friends family trees and suggested to hubby Grant that he have his dna tested after she had seen various pictures of Grant's family. Unbeknownst to Grant and Renee I had my dna tested too and when Renee found out she said let me know when you gets the results. Renee had started my family tree and knew my oldest sister Rose and brother James who is four years older had already had their dna tested. Rose's husband Bob was really into doing the his family tree as well as the Avila tree. Avila is my maiden and I proudly gave my sons the Avila middle name.

My most prized possession is an oil painting I commissioned from an artist I worked with. The picture is black and white circa 1951, with the 6 of us in chronological order sitting on a diving board, all of my siblings are wearing swimsuits and me wearing a dress. I am not looking at the camera because I think I know how to tie my shoes and I was only 3 years old. The painting sits on my mantel and is the focal point in the room.

I kind of dismissed the results when they came in and gave a copy to Renee to study until she came over to tell me what they meant. She came over and without hesitation told me that Rose and James were my half-siblings. I immediately cried and said that can't be. I was just so shocked and called my sister Rose the next day and said it would appear I am your half sister. I will never forget what she said, we never knew and that said volumes. She said they had seen hand holding with my mom and uncle John's brother Richard so I jumped to conclusions and called aunt Lucille to tell her what I had found out. She became very upset, said Richard couldn't be your father and I should not try to contact Richard's son.

Renee searches military records, birth dates and thinks my father is from Tennessee. I told her she could communicate with whomever on my behalf, I was still upset. She was in contact with a cousin of mine in Tennessee and Renee told her she was speaking on my behalf, but her account was closed. Renee has learned the ins and outs on Ancestry.com and was able to see stuff they thought were secret. Just like big brother. I know that the ball is in my court but it still upsets me when I hear someone say my father because I am not who I thought I was, not an Avila!
I called aunt Lucille this week and she was wonderful and so warm to me I was sad I had not taken the initiative to call her sooner. It was wonderful to hear her vibrant voice and her gusto for life, she is 86 still drives, shops, etc.. We reminisced and I told her one of my favorite memories was when uncle John lit his mini canon on the 4th of July! Thank you Deanna!


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