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After almost 2 years, Nil was able to come and visit me this past weekend! He always brings me flowers. These red roses compliments of my Dad! On Friday we went out to drinks and dinner at the club and had a nice visit. I introduced him to my friends. Many had met him from prior visits and we had a great time. Saturday morning, I took Pepper out at 6 am for her walk. When I got back just before 7 am, Nil was in the front flower bed. I asked him what he was up to and he said “Maurice sweet talked me into letting him out”. He was hiding under the front steps. Ha ha ha. Maurice has been going outside for little bit of time each day. I was not concerned. We went in and ate breakfast. In about 20 minutes, Maurice was at the door asking to come in. After we ate, we went to a few antique places in Lucketts then off to Occoquan to meet a photographer at one of my listings, then to Mom’s for a visit. When we got back we decided on an early dinner and got back home to watch a movie. Sunday morning we were up early drinking coffee. We started on a “project” that I had been saving. He loves to do things and help me around the house when he is here. I had a set of porch lights that I wanted to put up on the back porch. Within an hour that task was done. We ran a few errands then played 18 holes of golf in the afternoon. Back home early we finished the movie from the night before (“Overboard” with Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn). We both laughed like crazy. I must get my energy from Nil and my love of coffee! He and I have the same sense of humor. His good nature makes any task fun. We had an action packed 4 days but we always make the best of it. Pepper and Maurice enjoyed him too. I was afraid he might take Maurice with him- they bonded. We were all sad to see him leave. Hoping to see him for another visit soon.

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It’s been way too long since my last post. The past year really kept me from visiting and enjoying family and friends. Today we all got together at the river in Strasburg, VA. Thanks to Aunt Martha for hosting us at the pavillion. It was so good to see and hug everyone today. Victor and Becky, Mark, Jen and Mariana and numerous cousins and second cousins. The kids were playing in the river even with the drizzle falling. Family day!!

A few more things to note: When my Mother, Linda Louise Marchand gave me up for adoption she named me Tracy Dawn Marchand. She had another baby 4 years later and named her Kelly Marie Marchand. My adoptive family named me Kelly Louise Lynn. The names are incredible. How could I have the same middle name as my birth mother? How could I have the same first name as my biological half sister that I never met? My family name is Lynn. Mother is Linda. So many coincidences.

In 2016 I was reunited with my biological family.  Thanks to the magic of Ancestry and their gifted staff researchers.   I found out that my original birth name was Tracy Dawn Marchand.  I also found out sadly that my Mother passed in 2010,  but her 3 siblings were still alive and pretty close by.  Aunt Jeanne in Pennsylvania, Aunt Martha in Strasburg, Virginia and Uncle Victor Marchand in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.   Since that summer in 2016, I’ve spent as much time as I could getting to know everyone. My family has grown by many!  It turns out that Uncle Vic was the closest in proximity.  Living only 20 minutes from me.  I moved to Loudoun County in 1999, to marry my Steve.  During our 21 years together, we migrated each home farther West, from Leesburg to Hamilton and now reside in Purcellville.  It’s literally a 20 minute ride to Vic’s house from ours. Our first meeting with my biological Mother’s siblings was at Vic’s house. We were invited for lunch.   Martha, Vic, his husband John, Steve and my Mom Pat all met for the first time on a hot and humid day in July 2016.  Vic’s home is on the side of a mountain in Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia.  His house looks like something right out of a story book.

“High Walden”.  The cabin is a 100 year old log home with white chinking, a stone fireplace and a welcoming front porch.  The house is surrounded by lush gardens, trees, bushes, flowers and about 100 humming birds buzzing around the feeders hanging from the porch.  There was a large tent setup with table and chairs outside where we sat and ate. He’d made “Red Devils” for us for lunch.  Then, he and John took us to “the bar” which was an adorable Amish shed. Once you opened the doors there was literally a fully stocked bar along with a couch, bar and bar stools. We toured the property and met the chickens and a few other critters along the way, then to the pool.  Cool and inviting with sparkling blue water, colorful umbrellas and flamingo floats in the water. It was a perfect little oasis set behind the house.   I was so nervous to meet him, but when I looked into Vic’s eyes the first time,  I saw something of myself.  For the first time in my life, I saw someone staring back who looked like me!  We have the same eyes.   I learned that Vic was an easy going, artistic, charmingly eccentric fellow with a magnetic personality. I was instantly amazed by him and loved listening to his stories. Mostly hilarious and outrageous. He loved to laugh and to have others laughing with him.

Sadly, he was taken from this world in January 2019 by lung cancer.  It came on so fast he was gone within months of the diagnosis. Things I learned about Vic during our time together and from family: He was in the Air Force and worked as a plane mechanic. He was a draftsman at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD. He was a gifted artist who painted the mural at the Bell Grove Plantation in Winchester. He drew the card above and sent hand drawn holiday cards to us.  Vic was a Master Chef at The Purcellville Inn (many years ago) when it was owned by his great aunt (Irene Marchand).  Now, you would know it as the West End Wine Bar in Purcellville VA. Small coincidence (or not) that we now live within walking distance to the West End Wine Bar. I may not have even been born when he was working there it was so very long ago.  Uncle Victor was an entertainer and professional ball room dancer.  He spent months as staff aboard cruise ships, where he traveled the world.  He was also a Master Gardener as evidence by the incredible gardens we enjoyed at his home when we visited.  There was not enough time, but what we had was a gift.  I would not trade it for anything.

Yesterday was his birthday. He would have been 79 years old.  I took a moment to stay a prayer, lift a glass and cheer him on his day, now a heavenly birthday.  “Having only just found you, now we say goodbye…until we meet again sweet Vic”.

This year, all of our family gathered in between the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  On Thursday 12/26, Nil arrived!

We had a fantastic visit. Dinner the first night with our friends at the club. Plenty of laughing and stories.  On Saturday we went to a few stores and stopped for lunch in Leesburg then by one of Vino 9 in Waterford for some local IPA beer. Nil enjoyed that last year so we kind of make it a ritual now.  We visited with the owners of Vino 9 who are very knowledgeable about the beers and directed him on what to buy to take home for the boys.  During the day’s discussion, somehow Nil got roped into helping me put our TV on the wall with a mount and a shelf underneath for the cable box.   Back to Best buy to get the needed items. On Sunday we started early putting things together and a few more trips to the hardware store, Luckily Nil “got skills”. He’s a builder by trade and very mechanically inclined.  I must have gotten a little of that and patience for tedious tasks from him. We had a wonderful time even with the un-ending things that kept going wrong he just kept plugging away with a smile.  We finally got it the TV up on the wall and the shelf mounted underneath.  It was exhausting but we finished the project!

On Sunday, Nil headed home in the morning. About an hour and a half later,  Kelly and her Dad Bob Bresnock and husband Terry arrived from PA to visit with us. Morgan and Garrett were coming from New Jersey and got stuck in traffic but they finally got here late day.  We had plenty of food here ready to go but of course, Kelly brought cheese and cracker plates and lots of amazing cookies and candies she made. Kelly is a chef by trade and she loves to do baked goods!  My family came by too- Mom, Don, Deena, Rodney and Luke.  Steve’s Mom Pat came by with more wonderful baked goods! It was a great day of sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. Here are a few pics from the day!  Until we see each other again, I love you all!

   

 

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In early 2016, I found my biological family.  On my Mother’s side (Linda Marchand, deceased 2010), I got to meet my Mother’s siblings: Aunt Martha, Uncle Vic and Aunt Jeanne.  Linda has two children, Kelly and Doug. Kelly and I connected right away but Doug and his wife, Amy are not on any social media. Doug learned about me from his Dad, Bob Bresnock.  Doug and I texted for the first time early this year.  We later got on a phone call with Doug, Amy, me and Steve all talking and getting to know each other. Turns out we have alot in common. Doug and Amy are both avid golfers. They live in Home, PA near his sister Kelly and Father, Bob.  Doug and Amy have two children, Alyson and Griffin.

We made a plan for them to swing by Virginia on their way to the beach in late summer.  As the day approached I was really nervous but excited to finally meet my half brother on my Mother’s side!  Doug and Amy were so warm and funny. We immediately started chatting and laughing at the same silly jokes.  Alyson, my Niece is an amazing young woman who joined right in with our goofy dialog. Griffin was quiet but most entertained by Maurice. Both were inside and outside most of the visit checking out the yard and critters.  It was a very short visit but I’m so happy to have had the chance to meet my family.  We are in contact and always a stop on the way for anyone passing though Virginia!

A few weekends ago, my niece, Morgan and her friend Garrett were nearby for a wedding. They were able to stop by and see us on the way back to New Jersey!!  Morgan is Kelly’s only daughter.  We really enjoy spending time with these two amazing and hardworking kids. They were here for a few hours where we caught up on the day to day and they did some bird watching from our large picture window. Morgan had never seen as many red cardinals in one place as that tree. We love to watch all of the birds so we have several feeders. Maurice also got plenty of love and Pepper and Tegan were very well behaved too.  I hope to get another visit soon!

It’s been almost a year since I last posted an update to the blog.  Lots has occurred. Sadly, last Fall, Aunt Jeanne lost her battle with breast cancer.  It was so sad to have only just found my family, only to lose her 2 years later.  I am blessed that we had time to spend together and get to know each other. There is never going to be enough time so we do the very best that we can.

This weekend was another great gathering of Marchand, Guillet and Lynn families.  Aunt Martha Marchand celebrated her 70th birthday party at the river in Staunton. We’ve been looking forward to the party for weeks!  Luckily, the party weekend lined up nicely with a visit from my Father, Nil. Nil and his sister (Aunt Gloria) drove in from Connecticut on a sunny and bright Friday the 13th of July.  Almost a year from when this all began and we all met for the very first time!  Gloria was meeting Martha in Winchester and staying over there for the weekend, so Nil dropped her off there and then headed another 25 minutes East to Purcellville for our weekend visit.

Friday night, we took Nil to Charlestown Races for dinner and horse races! He was very surprised and delighted. We had an awesome time catching up over dinner while the ponies ran!  We could not pick a winner so we gave up and went home around 10.

Saturday morning we ran a few errands and I took Nil to see Steve’s folks for a few minutes.  I also introduced him to Nichol’s Hardware. A true destination in Loudoun County. It was hard to get him out of there!  At noon we went to the party about 45 minutes away in Staunton at the pavillion on the river. What a great turnout Aunt Martha had!  My Mom Pat, sister, Deena and great nephew Luke were invited too. It was the first time I’d seen Jeanne, Cecil, Vic and John since Christmas.

Nil and I headed home before dark. We visited for a few hours sitting on the deck watching the fireflies.  We had a great time catching up. Nil was very helpful with a few minor household projects. Some we completed others we did not (needed more parts!)  What a great weekend.  In the last year, my family has tripled in volume,  but it’s a great, warm feeling that everyone gets along and includes each other on the gatherings. I could not ask for a better outcome or response from such loving, wonderful and caring people. All of them…my family.

Until we all meet again!

On June 22, 2017 , I got “the call” from my Aunt Martha. You know, the one where she said- “hello, Kelly. You were born 9/27/1966 and you have a heart murmur. We’ve been looking for you”. A year ago this week I began connecting with my biological family. First, with contact through my Aunt Martha, My Aunt Jeanne and my Uncle Victor. My Mother’s brothers and sisters all gathered around me and made feel most welcome. They had been searching for me but under the name Tracy Dawn Marchand. They did not know I was named Kelly Louise by my loving Mother and Father who adopted me.  Kelly Louise Lynn, These are the only names I’ve ever known.

This blog is named for Kelly, my half sister who is 4 years younger.  Also, it’s to celebrate each and every family member I’ve found- who shares my DNA and all of my family who love me but do not share my DNA.  Family, what a gift!

This post is to also to acknowledge and celebrate a year of connecting with my new family. My Father, Nil, my brothers, Ryan and Cory and their amazing wives Kristen and Brittany and all of their beautiful children.  To having found my new Nieces and Nephews and Aunts and Uncles!

My sister Kelly, my Niece Morgan and Kelly’s husband, Terry and her Father, Bob.  I love you all. I could not imagine how I would feel on the day I found you, but today the joy is still overwhelming in my heart. I am the luckiest girl in the world. Not only because I found you but because my family immediately grew bigger and better than ever before. Every day I learn something new, every day, I appreciate my life and all I’ve been blessed with. Looking back so far…it’s been an amazing journey. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

So many months have passed since I wrote an update! Many things have happened. All good! We sold our lovely Victorian home in Hamilton and moved 6 miles West to Purcellville in March. Our new house was built in 1989, it’s not new but it’s new to us after living in a 150 year old home.  For us, it’s like living in a 5 star hotel.  We miss our old home but we LOVE our new one!!  On top of an already busy real estate season, we added a move.  Somehow, we got it all done. My Mom and sister were a huge help. I could not have done it without them. I worked every single day with appointments and clients. I only really took one day off (move day) and then got right back to work. My Mom and sister unpacked most of our boxes and stocked and organized my closet for me while I was out with clients.  I could find all of my clothes and shoes!!  Then, within a week of moving into our new home, we had the interior painted, a fence put up for the dogs and a shed installed. It’s literally been a whirlwind. Did I mention this has been the busiest Spring market…ever? We hope to have an open house and invite all of the family and friends very soon.

We had a cookout for Mother’s day but it rained. It’s been a wet Spring that has rolled into the first week of summer. Sigh….

This year, Father’s day snuck right up on me. I’ve been in contact with all of my newly found family as much as I can. With this schedule I don’t have time to go anywhere. We cancelled our vacation in February and have been running flat out ever since!

I text or talk with Kelly now every week or so- she’s really busy too, but we reach out when we have a moment. I try to call Nil weekly. I email regularly with Aunt Martha. I text, email or Facebook with Jeanne and Vic. I miss everyone!

Nil was planning to visit us in June but schedules are not aligning.  I was able to call and visit with him on the phone on Sunday to wish him a Happy Father’s Day. A first for both of us. He was at Ryan’s house with all of the family in Connecticut. We had a great conversation and put out some dates for a visit. He has not seen the new house yet. It has an amazing and deck overlooking the golf course! He’s going to love it.  We hope to see him in early July. The guest room is all ready!

More updates soon, I promise!