The Morning File: Dear Oprah -- It's me, your long-lost half-brother
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Family ties: Oprah Winfrey and her long-lost half-sister sister Patricia on Jan. 19.
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Dear Oprah Winfrey:
With great interest I learned last week that you had embraced a half-sister you never knew you had.
Patricia, that long-lost relative from Milwaukee, came on your talk show after verifying you had the same mother. You talked about the difficulties your mother faced when you and Patricia were both little, which resulted in Patricia being given up for adoption. You described how happy you were to finally meet her, because she wasn't trying to capitalize on your fame or fortune.
I don't mean to shock you -- and realize I'm appearing redundant -- but I suppose this is as good a time as any to tell you I believe I am the half-brother you were never aware of.
I know: Wow! That was my first reaction, too. I'll give you a moment to let it sink in. ...
OK, now, just feel the joy, Oprah -- I mean Sis. Pretend it's like the surprise of receiving a free car.
Just as in Patricia's case, I had a long and difficult journey to the discovery. It started with a feeling that I never really belonged within my own "family." Maybe it's because they teased me relentlessly about behaving like a child -- "But I'm supposed to act like this, I'm only 5, " I said to deaf ears. And as I grew older they dubbed me "Retch" as a family nickname, which I didn't much care for once I understood its meaning.
As an adult, I began researching other possibilities for my true relatives. I had a DNA test to determine if Bill Gates might be my brother, as we have equivalent levels of handsomeness and many people have commented on our similar personalities -- except for the part where he gives away lots of money and I don't.
Unfortunately, it turns out that I have some rare form of DNA that is impossible to match up with anyone else's, making confirmation of blood ties a bit shaky. I don't think that should dissuade us, however, from coming together in a tearful family reunion that would make great viewing on your new network.
Some people undoubtedly will try to play the race card on us. That whole "Wait a second, he's white, she's black, where does he get off thinking they're related?" thing. Thank goodness, in Barack Obama's America -- yep, I voted for your favorite Chicago politician, as one more piece of evidence we must be family -- the intelligent ones among us are past such quibbles.
First Published January 31, 2011 12:00 am
