General Chat

Same here Jess, I just found out my Dad had a brother who died soon after birth, he never told me. Its more likely that people see some things as best left unsaid, rather than it being a secret. Things are sometimes too painful to talk about.

I dont see really that he needed to say - there is no telling what the circumstances were. My mother had a brother that died in infancy-no-one told me.Not my business really

Lynne if you already had a feeling about your father being married before, you seem ultra shocked. First thing calm down, check the facts, find out the circumstances - perhaps the marriage was short lived and thats why he did not bother to mention it. Lin

I found a half brother and 3 half sisters my hubby did not know about - my first instinct was I was chuffed to bits - found him a family. Then I realised it could go wrong - made contact with half brothers wife and everything was great - sadly Peter died a few weeks ago . he was 78. Paul eventually got used to the idea of this second family but I have heard from one of Peter's sons and the 3 half sisters are not prepared to make contact. My feeling is why should Paul be responsible for what his father did all those years ago - and the 3 half sisters do not know what a great bloke my husband Paul and his brother Brett are. I find this very sad - but given time they might change their minds and make contact. You are still in shock - so my advise would be to take a little time before delving. Keep us informed and good luck. Love Mary in Spain xx

Yes this is definitely my father, Honestly I just really don't know what to do about this one. I could have family out there, I can not do any researching at the moment I am in shock. But I will keeo you all posted And thanks guys for all you support Tack care Lynne

Oh Linda it's not a nice feeling is it. I've dug up some skeletons! My brother didnt know he was born after our parents were married. Then I discovered my dad had been married before and had a son who died before i was born but no one ever told me! Sharon x

So sorry for the 'surprise' Lynn. That's the thing with this hobby you just never know what you are going to find. I hope everything works out as you would like. Jean x.

Hi All No not a common name I must admit that I had already suspected this. My Mum is very secretive. Still in shock going to see what I can find Tack care Lynne

Whatever the outcome lynn good luck and best wishes for your Mums quick recovery, Keep us posted, Caz xxxxxxx

Are you sayng this is a 'first' marriage of your father, which you didn't know about? Have you looked at the marriage cert of your own parents to make sure he wasn't a widower when they married? He might only have been married for a very short time and then his wife died? Perhaps there was no civil recognition of the marriage and therefore it wasn't valid? If it's a common Irish name, perhaps there has been a misunderstanding in the info sent? (Think how many John Smiths s/o John there must be!!) Jay

take deep breaths for a start and calm down. is it a common name to Ireland maybe the church got it wrong. check the date of the marriage quoted and where your father was at that time. if it is your dad, maybe his wife died, check your parents marr. cert to see his marital status. hope this helps Dorothy

hits you ive opened a few cans my self have aunties and uncles i would love to meet . good luck , you will be surprised at some times people know and just havent said anything hope your mum gets well soon lorraine xx

Oh lord.... I don't know what to say!! Hope it works out peacefully xx

Hi All Just received e-mail fron the church I wrote to in Ireland asking for info about my father and his parent's. I got some info not what I expected the info I received was Dear Lynne I am the parish priest of Aughrim street. Your grandparents were married in 1917 and from our records only one of their children was baptised in this church between 1918 1926 and that is your father. We have an entry of his marraige to Norah Gleeson in the church of the sacred Heart Donnybrook, Dublin4 on the 26th june 1946. I just don't believe this Dad married just don't know what to do. I cannot speak to mum about this at the moment my mum is just getting over a very serious operation. Talk about openingcans of worms,I wonder where this one is going to lead me. I could have step brothers or sisters oh my god I feel like my body has gone into complete shock. Honestly I just don't know what to do In shock big time Lynne