Family Affair

The Lifeatarian

Show Notes: Lifeatarian - Family Affair

​In this episode, Monique presents an interview covering an incredible event that took place at her home in December 2019: a heartwarming reunion with her cousin Eugene, who had not seen his biological family for 58 years after being adopted.

​To start the interview, Monique introduces her long-lost cousin Eugene and his wife Sheila, along with Eugene’s brother Vincent and his aunt Rachel. Eugene reveals that it was Sheila who initially pushed him to go look for his biological family. He subsequently hired a private investigator, who got him back in touch with his siblings.

​Eugene pours out his love for Vincent—a type of bond that only brothers could ever share. He also expresses his admiration for Vincent’s wife and the authentic love that clearly binds them together as husband and wife.

Eugene admits that his love for his biological family is amplified on account of his being away from them for almost six decades. Initially, Eugene was reluctant to face his relatives once again for fear of being ostracized. However, he was welcomed back with open arms, which added to the depth of his admiration for them. He likens the experience to waking up from a coma. To any other black man who may eventually share Eugene’s experience of reuniting with their biological family, he advises them to “take it slowly.” It is important to ask questions and brace oneself for possible hurtful truths and reactions, as these are all part of the package for such an ordeal.

Aunt Rachel explains that, as her sister Connie was no longer around to welcome back Eugene, Rachel felt a responsibility to make the reunion a reality. She knew right away after hearing of Eugene’s search that he was her long-lost nephew. She wasted no time in facilitating the meeting between Eugene and his brothers, James and Vincent. She also explains that it was not only Connie, but Rachel’s other sister Margaret who put a child up for adoption. Rachel recounts the circumstances that led to these life-altering decisions, and her criticisms against the local legal system which, she believes, are the true forces that kept their family members apart for so long.

Sheila closes the conversation by emphasizing the role of love over both her and Eugene’s actions, all of which culminated in this emotional reunion. She pours herself out, thanking Eugene’s family for welcoming him back with such warmth and enthusiasm. The paramount importance Sheila places on family was what prompted her to motivate Eugene to go on this quest to find his biological relatives.

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