ABOUT allDAY

allDAY is the official TODAY blog, your virtual window to Studio 1A and the people who make America's favorite morning show come alive. Whether it's exchanging views with the anchors and contributors or going behind the scenes with the producers, editors, camera people and more, we'll bring you the buzz here at 30 Rock, and we hope you will make this a regular part of your online routine. We want this to be a conversation, so please respond with your comments and questions directly to the blog, and we'll do our best to post what you have to say.



TODAY viewer: 'I have a sister and brothers'

Posted: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 2:30 PM by Ryan Osborn
Filed Under:

A TODAY viewer says she has made an amazing connection while watching our show this morning. During the story about two co-workers who learned they are long-lost brothers and then found their sister, Kat Cooper posted this on her blog: 

Meredith Viera (sp?) asked about another sister that they have never met and were still looking for, Joanne said yes, her birth name was Claire Marie, she would be about 39 years old. That's me. I'm Claire Marie.

I knew the second I saw Joanne sitting on the couch, I knew who she was. We went to high school together, had a study hall, lunch, and gym class together. At one point during those high school years, my sister Jo and I talked to Joanne, we asked her if she had a sister, her last name is my birth last name, she said no, but that's because she didn't know that she even had a sister back then. But Joanne and I are identical, we look even more alike now than we did back in school. ...

That's my sister Joanne and my brothers that I never knew that I had, Gary and Randy. I have a sister and brothers, I'm meeting them tomorrow morning on the Today show.

You can read more of Kat's blog here (including her initial reaction which we couldn't share!), and check out the video that sparked this amazing realization here. 

Tune in to TODAY on Wednesday to see Kat Cooper's reunion with her siblings.

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

Primary story caught my eye because the names Joubert and Nisbet are both ancestral family names that meet in Manitoba. I alway enjoy hearing about events of this nature because our family (and many others) have lost track of relatives due to adoption, out-of-wedlock births, or estrangement. I have a brother who supposedly died in 1953 leaving a wife and 2 children. However, no one who attended his funeral saw his body. Tried locating death records but can find none in Calif. Only reference I ever found was to someone with the EXACT same name and date of birth who died in 1976 in Ill. Co-incidence? Maybe.

Jim Santiago (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 3:31 PM)

I have 14 siblings , 5 given up for adoption , two I knew nothing about until adulthood. One brother had known the other for years and years belonged to the same ham operator club and had sat at his kitchen table and his wife remarked they were enough alike to be brothers 10 years later they find out they are brothers. It took me 54 years to find them all but I did. Thank God Mom has met them all now.

Donna Boehm, Deer Park, Texas (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 4:21 PM)

I am one of 14 kids. 5 given up and I found the last two this year I am 54 I have been looking since I was 13. Two of the brothers had met knew each other for years and had no idea they were brothers.
I wish you all the best , it is a blessing from God not an accident. When it is time you find them.
I have added the video of when I met the sister I looked for all my life.

Donna Boehm, Deer Park Texas (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 4:35 PM)

I found out several years ago that I had 6 siblings, but was only adopted with one (and a great one at that).  We were all born in Europe and although I found my birth Mother 12 years ago she was not helpful in letting me know any of the other siblings.  Almost two years ago I received a phone call which my husband answered first.  He brought me an extention phone and told me it was my brother.  I thought I had misunderstood but was thrilled that it was indeed a younger brother who had found me from Austria.  He came over here last summer to meet my sister Debbie and I for the first time.  He is a WONDERFUL guy and I could not be happier.  Between us we have found them all.  One does not know he was adopted so does not believe he is ours and another does not want to open up old wounds.  Enjoy every moment and build the future more than worry about the past and and what you missed with each other.  I am the third in the list of 8 and am 53 years old.  I am so thankful that my brother Ritchi found me and worked on finding the rest.

Doris A. Meek (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 5:29 PM)

My husband was just recently reunited with his birth parents after almost 32 years.  He knew he was adopted as an infant but that was all until about 2 1/2 months ago.  I was actually still in the hospital after giving birth to our 3rd son when the adoption agency found him on facebook.  His birth parents ended up marrying and he has a birth brother and sister.  The reunion has been amazing and welcomed by all his adoptive parents included!  You just don't hear enough of these positive stories on adoption!!

Nicole Hutsell, Fishers, IN (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 6:48 PM)

They have another brother named George Pomroy lives on Sullivan street in Biddeford maine. How come the today show is omitting him?? His reunion is forthcoming. wow talk about cold.They share the same dad.

Pamela Pomroy-Bannon Holly springs georgia (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 6:52 PM)

Pamela,

Thanks for the tip. We are following up on a couple leads.

Appreciate all of your comments.
Ryan

Ryan Osborn (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 6:57 PM)

What a wonderful story!  It hit home for me. My brother and I were sold when we were both very young - I was 9 months old; he was about 2 or 3.  Through an extensive search and little to no information to help,I found my biological father about 30 years ago - shortly before his death.  More recently I found my mother, but she has no interest in wanting to meet me.  I have no idea how to locate my brother and even if the state in which we were born (Illinois) has or had an open adoption record, such would be of no assistance to me since we were not adopted in the "normal" manner.  When the one brother said today that he always knew there was someone out there and he just wanted to see what they looked like and if he looked like the rest of the family, I could more than relate to that.  I have said it a million times. Thank you again for airing this wonderful story.

Carole Smith, Leander, Texas (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 7:47 PM)

Most suredly, this is one of the most happiest, heart felt stories in such a very long time.  To hear this makes my heart heap.  Amazingly awesome!!!  I found a sister also 22 years ago I didn't know existed until I was 16 and then it took me another 10 years later to finally find her.  I have a half sister out there somewhere that I'm still looking for.  She was born in September of 1963(?) to Ronald Herbert Howson and Charlotte Sue Roth Keithly. I'm the oldest of 5 by the same mother.  I hope to find her someday too.  God bless to all the family members of this most resent discovery.  Wow, what a miracle!

Ranae Keithly Lake Tahoe, Nevada (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 9:27 PM)

Amazing stories of reconnecting with long lost family!!

Jamaicafest (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 9:48 PM)

Totally awesome story and now to hear the second sister heard the story this morning is AMAZING.  I could start crying at any moment.  Loving hearing about these heartwarming stories.

Cheryl, St. Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:07 PM)

Kat is an amazing Woman with a heart of gold and I am so glad she found her family!!!!  This is exactly what every adoptive child/adult who is searching for their past should be able to experience, knowing that you have bio brother or sisters/both out there.  I can't wait for the Today Show in the morning!!!!

Christie F, Moline, IL (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 12:42 AM)

It is awsome to see stories of re-union. I was black market and sold into adoption in the mid '30's. I have searched for  45 years. There will never a re-union for me, but when I hear stories of re-unions, a warm feeling washes over me. The ending of a search for family must be an incredible moment.

Bob Smith Atlanta GA (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 1:16 AM)

This is amazing. I  found my father after 30 years a few years ago. i had been searching for years it is the most amazing feeling. I have a sister too .my father had no contact with her and a few months after he and I had been talking . She contacted him too. We are so happy now that we have our family back together.

Dawn Outman,St.Augustine,FL (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 7:09 AM)

WHAT AN AWESOME STORY TO FIND YOUR LOST ONES AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF FEELING ALONE. GOD BLESS THEM.

ELBA, NEW BRITAIN CT. (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:20 AM)

This story hit home for me as well.  I was raised with one sister and years later found out we had a brother that had been adopted but we didn't look for him at the time.  About 8 years ago my sister and I received calls about a family reunion and discovered we had a sister.  We were confused.  It turns out we are four siblings.  It has been a wonderful experience!  My mother got to meet and know her two younger children before she passed away.  We took a cruise as a family, telling everyone it was our first family vacation.  And we didn't have to deal with the sibling rivalry!  Three of us live close enough to get together for holidays and are enjoying each other as adults.  Thanks for sharing your story.  God Bless!

Pam Jarvis, Orrville. Ohio (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:45 AM)

Saw this heartwarming story yesterday. I found my father's siblings and many cousins 10 yrs ago. At that time I found out that we had a sister in Earle, Arkansas. We have other siblings who may not know that we exist. Their names would be James Jr., Nina, Harold Brooks. There may also be three named Melvin, Carrie, Arthur. Father (deceased) James Albert Brooks. They may have lived in Chicago with Aunt Liz when they were younger. Their mom's name is Mary F.

Cynthia, Akron, OH (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:45 AM)

I just want to say for those of you out there looking for siblings don't give up you will find them. I did my mom had 23 children i grew up knowing 6 of then they were in different foster homes i was in a home with 2 of them. I have found 3 more one of them died shortly after. but I did meet with him twice. I am still looking for the rest.The best thing about finding the 2 that are still alive is that I am not the oldest anymore (that's just a joke between my sis and I)Its been two years for my sis and I last year we went out and bought matching outfits to some that's sounds strange but for me it was one of the best days of my life. So to the fore on tv this morning have fun maybe just go shopping
love and happiness to you all  

paula Warwick RI (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 9:48 AM)

I have a brother who I have been trying to search for, I keep running into brick walls.  His name is James Talbot, his mothers name is Charlotte, We share the same father James Talbot, I know he was born in Califormia in 1957 or 1958.  He wrote my dad a letter back in the early 80's it came from Sacramento, Ca.  I have been trying ever since then to find him.  I love hearing these stories because I know it brins hope for me that one day I will find him.  

Sheila Vandervort, Triangle, Va (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:14 AM)

I'm nearing 65, have always known I was adopted, but learned 15 years ago I have an older half brother named Thomas born in 1943.  Since I was adopted in Florida I can not get the name of my family or half brother.  My wish is for the other 42 states to change their laws to be like Maine so there could be many more reunions.  Like the others, I too want to know who I look like, and, more importantly, what medical history is in my background.  Florida claims to be protecting the rights of the birth mothers - what about the rights of adoptees?

Libby Madden, Highlands, NC (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 10:36 AM)

Remember just because you are blood does not mean you will always get along this is very hard, alot of different experiences good and bad, jealous feelings, fear, anger love. All strong emotions, take your time you will have a honeymoon period where you talk every day several times a day and then you will go back to life. Especially if you are in differnet states like we are. We have NEVER been in the same room together never had a christmas or thanksgiving all together. Maybe someday before Momma passes away. But she did met all 14. I will keep you all in prayer. If you ever need help dealing my email is auntduke@gmail.com
much love been there done that!!

Donna Boehm, Deer Park, Texas (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 4:46 PM)

My heart actually hurt when I saw this story.  I was adopted 57 years ago (am now 59).  California has the sealed records law so no hope of every finding birth parents.  All I know is that I was born Regina Ann Condroy on 2/20/50.  Birth mother's name Naomi Ruth. Hope never dies, maybe someone will see this.  That feeling of not belonging and the need to know if you look like someone never disappears.

Carmen Martinez, Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Wednesday, September 23, 2009 5:05 PM)

"They have another brother named George Pomroy lives on Sullivan street in Biddeford maine. How come the today show is omitting him?? His reunion is forthcoming. wow talk about cold.They share the same dad.
Pamela Pomroy-Bannon Holly springs georgia (Sent Tuesday, September 22, 2009 6:52 PM)"

Pamela!!!
I don't know when George called the today show, I don't know if the right people got it or got it in time, but none of the 4 of us knew, we were not told by anyone about George, we did not know.
We know now!
You posted a comment to my blog, I PROMISE you that I will reply to your comment, I WILL contact you and you can put me in touch with him. I know he's not blood to me, he's their brother, they share the same father, not the same mother like the 4 of us do, but he's still like a half brother to me or something ha ha
And I don't know if Randy and Gary even know yet, well they might by now, they got home to Maine MANY hours before I got back home to Florida, but I will call them in the morning and tell them.
I swear to you Pamela, we didn't know, no one said anything to any of us about another brother, please don't be angry, we will get in touch and find a way to get us all together again to meet somehow, someway.

Kat Cooper, Sarasota Florida (Sent Thursday, September 24, 2009 3:57 AM)

Kat deserved this wonderful reunion. Such good news for her. I'm really happy for her. I hope more good news comes her way.

Diana Brunson, Rockford, IL (Sent Thursday, September 24, 2009 4:11 AM)

My name is Celia Hurtubise Peters and I am writing in regards to your program you aired today. What prompted me to write was that it was mention that they had been abused. I am not defending what happened. I don't know if they know this but their mother was born with a heart condition and years later had an operation that left her impaired.  She was very very intelligent before this happened. Their mother and I were cousins. My grandmother Clara raised  their mom for many years.Their grandfather on their mothers side is Gene Hurtubise. They have an cousin Sonny Benitte that lives in Fla. For more information on that side of our family they may want to get in touch with Clay Hurtubise. He has been tracing our family history.

I hope this information  will be helpful to them.Thank-you for taking time to read and possibly forward the information.

Celia Peters Westbrook,Maine (Sent Thursday, September 24, 2009 8:10 AM)

I'm an adoptee who has found my birthmother, siblings and cousins.  These states that still have closed records should be ashamed of themselves, including NYS, where I was born.  I had to learn how to lie in order to unearth information about MY background.  Thank goodness for all the angels on the Internet who aided my search.  Still looking to confirm my birth father.  If anyone reading this knows the whereabouts of a Jim Moran who drove an auto transporter for Ford at Mahwah, NJ, in 1957, please look for me on Facebook (orange kitten is my photo).

Laura Schwartz, Phoenixville, Pennsylvania (Sent Thursday, September 24, 2009 11:51 AM)



SEND A COMMENT

PLEASE READ: All comments must be approved before appearing in the thread; time and space constraints prevent all comments from appearing. We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

More allDAY

Recent Posts:

Archives:

Categories

Syndicate This Site

Add allDAY to your news reader:
live.com xml
myyahoo msn
bloglines newsgator
google

MSNBC Weblogs

More Links