My DNA Test Found a Brother I’ll Never Know. I’m Still Grateful.

  • Surprises revealed from genealogy tests can shock and reshape
  • A writer confronts life seen anew through the lens of science
The author, left, and his brother.Source: Douglas Lytle
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If you’re a fan of genealogy television shows, that DNA test you might receive for the holidays can be the best way of opening up a wealth of information about you and your ancestors. Or if you’re like me, it can bring unexpected, life-altering news.

My DNA test, taken in early 2018, showed my mother gave birth to a baby boy in 1958, seven years before I came along, who was then put up for adoption. His new parents named him Richard. Any doubts I had were squashed when I got my first look at a photo of him. I saw myself staring back at me.

So think long and hard when deciding whether to share the intimate code that defines who you are, as you may find yourself facing huge emotional issues from which you may never get closure.