One click changed my life
I’ve noticed an upward trend of parents and children who are looking for each other on Facebook.
When I reconnected with my dad, I was one of a handful–and I wasn’t even looking. Maybe that’s something we should talk about…have I ever shared with you how this adventure started?
I was a junior in college. Most of my weeknights were filled with reading and writing papers. I hopped onto Facebook for a quick brain break. Newsfeed, notifications, messages….one new message. I didn’t know who the message was from, but I clicked on it anyway.
One click changed my life.
Is this dramatic enough for you? I’m working on my pitch for Oprah. How does that sound?
But seriously, it’s true. This one moment really did change my life.
While I don’t remember everything the message said, here’s the gist:
I knew your parents. We were in youth group together. Your dad’s been looking for you. His name is Brad Holliman. Check out his profile. Let me know if you want to connect with him.
This night, like most nights, I was doing homework in my best friends’ dorm room. I freaked out and ran to my room. I went through his profile.
I looked at his picture, pictures of his family…and then I cried and cried and cried. It was too much. I couldn’t stop the tears. They were coming from somewhere deep inside me.
Eventually my friends showed up. They always knew when to push for information and when to leave me alone. We talked for a long time and I decided to reach out to my dad, to see what would happen.
There’s a lot more to this story. We’ll get to all of that later.
Right now, I want to applaud anyone who is trying to find their parents. It takes a lot of courage to seek out the truth.
I can’t guarantee that everything will work out. Sometimes you can’t find your parents or they don’t want anything to do with you or they’re dead or they end up being complete losers.
But at least you’re seeking the truth.
At least you are one step closer to closure.
I really hope you find the answers.
In my case, the answers found me, but it’s the journey I’m most grateful for. This road is where I’ve found healing.
And to think it all began with one click…
To all of my friends who are looking, don’t give up. No matter what side of the equation you are on–parent or child–don’t lose hope.