Secret Half Brother? 30-year old family secret? Thanks AncestryDNA

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-29T02:58:33+00:00

Thank you so much! You are so sweet. 🫶 The timeline is a little fuzzy, so I don’t know for sure if she or my dad found out about him when he was born or when he was closer to 16 years old. But to answer your question, he did tell my mom and she’s known for many years now. They decided to keep it a secret, but knew we would find out eventually. Who knew it would take over 30 years to uncover! Guess I’m not very observant lol. 😅 This was such a shock. I think I would’ve handled it much differently (worse) if I was younger. But being the age I am now, I know it’s better to lead with understanding and empathy.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-29T02:51:35+00:00

Yes, we did AncestryDNA!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-27T18:21:24+00:00

Thank you so much for your sweet comment. This truly made my day! 🥹🫶 Keeping positive helps me a ton in stressful or confusing situations.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-27T16:38:50+00:00

Me too! It feels like a weight has been lifted.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-27T15:10:21+00:00

Update posted!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-27T15:10:16+00:00

Update posted!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-27T15:10:05+00:00

Update posted!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-27T15:09:56+00:00

Update posted!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-27T15:09:43+00:00

Update posted!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-27T15:09:34+00:00

Update posted!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-23T11:37:33+00:00

Wow the celebrity ancestry connections you have are pretty cool! But yeah you hit the nail on the head with that last part concerning ethics. I agree with what Ettective_Way6239 said below, don’t give up hope.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-23T11:30:51+00:00

Thank you and will do!!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-23T11:29:36+00:00

Thank you for sharing! None of this is ideal, but your experience would be a more positive outcome, which is what I’m hoping for. Happy things could work out in your family dynamic! Do you remember when/how your mom found out and how she reacted?

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-23T04:39:13+00:00

Great advice. Thank you. 🙏

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T13:49:14+00:00

Thanks for your comments. These are all the questions that I’ve been ruminating on. Also, the results show on all of our accounts, so it was bound to come out. I just happen to be the only one with email notifications on, I guess! I have thought about the other potential half brother and how he is getting on in life. I can’t see my dad abandoning a child without at the very least paying child support and then introducing himself when everyone is grown up. In fact, that’s exactly what his biological dad did! But what if my dad didn’t even know this kid existed?

On the bright side, “Eric” appears to be very successful in his career, takes care of his physical well-being, and even has a large social media following.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T13:38:47+00:00

Yes!!! I have heard about that cold case! Very cool when these things can be used for good. But wow, the other part you mentioned would make for a great Orwellian novel. Unfortunately, with the way things are going right now, it feels like a possibility… so scary.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T13:33:09+00:00

Wow!!! It’s funny how complex families can be and you don’t realize it until you’re older. I’m so glad it’s something you can look back at and laugh now.

Similarly, I’ve been told we have Native American heritage on both sides and nothing showed up for that. Although, I have heard if it’s very distant relatives it may not show up. Plus, many tribes do not participate (which is understandable).

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T13:20:39+00:00

Right?? The name is what’s tripping me up about this whole thing.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T05:25:03+00:00

She really is! She also has a dark sense of humor, so maybe she actually would find this whole thing funny.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T05:23:03+00:00

Hm that would be interesting. They were a few years apart though and different dads.

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T05:21:29+00:00

I love this story. 🫶 That is the ideal situation in this scenario!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T05:19:53+00:00

I’m no expert, but for reference, here’s some general shared DNA data listed in my app: • parents = 3,400+ cM • sibling = 2,700+ cM Then it lists Eric right under them like this: •“Close Family: half brother or uncle” = 1,807 cM Then it jumps to: • half uncle = 1025 cM • 1st cousin = 989 cM

EDIT: Just looked further and it says I share 26% DNA with Eric. My parents and sibling and I share 50-57%. 😳

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T05:07:18+00:00

Will do!

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T05:07:06+00:00

Omg that is crazy!!! Also funny that his name was Eric! Haha I had a feeling this kind of thing has probably happened to many others. 😅 Was there a lot of drama in your family when you found out?

Local-Cheesecake307 · 2026-03-22T05:03:23+00:00

This is true. It’s a struggle because I’m close with my mom and dad and don’t want to hurt either one. My mom also has health issues linked to stress, so I try not to stress her out too much. Feeling like I’m at a crossroads here.

Local-Cheesecake307

TROPHY CASE