People often ask me how I manage to get out of bed every morning after everything I’ve been through. It’s a question I can never fully answer. My story started a long before I took a DNA test that changed my life, it started with losing my brother.
Courtesy of Jennifer McGrath
Ten years ago, my brother was killed. He was walking on the beach with his best friend when three men attacked him. One forceful punch broke his neck, and he died suddenly. Losing a sibling is something no one expects or prepares for. It seemed like a part of my soul was misplaced too. The shock and sadness were overwhelming. I felt numb, like I wasn’t really living.
Courtesy of Jennifer McGrath
After his death, the long legal battle began. The men who killed him went through court hearings and trials. I had to face them many times, which was painful but necessary. To understand the system better, I went back to school and studied criminal justice. I want to understand how to support my brother in a fight. Even though justice never fully came, I’m proud of what I did.
Courtesy of Jennifer McGrath
My brother had recently fallen in love and was trying to start a family. Just nine days before he died, he and his partner were hoping to have children. That made his death even harder because I dreamed of becoming an aunt someday. That hope led me to take a 23 andMe DNA test.
Courtesy of Jennifer McGrath
I never knew who my father was. My mom was young and couldn’t remember much about him. Taking the test, I was more attracted in finding nieces or nephews than my dad. To my surprise, I found my biological father, his daughter, and her four children. I finally had a family I never knew.
Courtesy of Jennifer McGrath
I drove hours to meet them, and they welcomed me warmly. My new sister, however, was struggling with addiction and homelessness. She stayed with me to get her life straightened out, and for a little while, there was hope. But then she disappeared, unable to overcome her challenges.
Courtesy of Jennifer McGrath
A little while later, my husband and I went to see a show in Las Vegas. Suddenly, gunshots rang out. The joyful night turned into a nightmare as we hid on the ground, scared for our lives. We saw people injured and dying around us. After hours of chaos, we finally run-away.
Courtesy of Jennifer McGrath
When we got home, another disaster struck, our town caught fire. We watched as neighbors fled their homes, filled with fear. Happily, our family and home were protected, though the fear stuck around.
Later, I got tragic news. My sister and her husband died in a car accident, and their kids were left alone. I fought hard to find and care for them. After legal clashes, I was granted custody of my nieces and nephews. Meeting them for the first time was emotional, they had hurt so much, but I promised to keep them save.
Now, almost a year later, they’re thriving. We’ve healed together, sharing laughter and stories. Life is still hard sometimes, but I’ve learned that even after great pain, hope can grow. I’ve found family in unexpected places and gift in the love I have for these children.
Courtesy of Jennifer McGrath
This journey has taught me that no matter what we lose, there is still beauty and hope waiting to be found.
