Greetings Downhome Magazine: First of all, I would like to say how much I enjoy reading all the interesting things about Newfoundland; the people, stories, food, fun stuff, etc...! All so good. I have a little story and some pictures; maybe it would be of some interest to you and all the readers out there! It is a long story, but I will keep it to the point! In November 2009, my sisters and I found out that we had a brother - shocking but good! This was the start to a whole new adventure for all of us. Through e-mails, phone calls and letters, we were able to contact our father's family; my dad left when he was a young man, and sadly, had never returned. His family never saw him again - they talked a couple of times, but he never returned to Newfoundland. In 2010, we all started talking about coming to St. John's to meet our family we never knew; they never knew about us girls, only about our brother. So July 2011, we landed, only to be greeted by a huge bunch of our relatives. They had neon signs with all of our names and a welcome sign; I get teared up just remembering when we came through the doors! It was an amazing, loving, very warm welcome, and an even more amazing time, as we got to know each other and share stories, pictures, and trying to fit pieces of the past together. I can say with a heart that runneth over with love that we have found what we have missed all of our lives, and now for the remainder of our lives, we are bound together! Not only is St. John's, Newfoundland a beautiful place, but, speaking for myself, I have found what I missed out on all of these years... a big family! When we got home, I was surprised when a copy of Downhome came in the mail; what a treat! It's a great way to keep some connection going; I have since gotten a subscription, and also follow on Facebook! Thank you so much. I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I do telling it! Sincerely, Karen Cartwright July 2011 Left to Right: Rodney, Valerie, Karen, Michelle, Chantelle Left to Tright: My sister Chantelle, my brother Rodney, my sister Valerie, me (Karen), my uncle Edgar, my sister Michelle, my aunt Dot P.S. Auntie & Uncle are my father's only two siblings left.   Submitted By: NULL