This morning’s shocking but joyous announcement about Oprah Winfrey having a half-sister has left many with questions about this woman and her journey to finding her family. Now, we have some more info about one of the”greatest surprises” of Big O’s life.
As we all know by now, Oprah’s mother, Vernita Lee, became pregnant with a daughter when Oprah was nine years old, but ultimately gave her up for adoption. The child, Patricia, went through foster care until she was seven years old and then she was adopted.
When Patricia was 17, she had a daughter, Aquarius, and then six years later son, Andre. During that time, she made her first attempt to find her real family, but quickly gave up the search. Then a few years later, she tried again and was fortunate to get her hands on her adoption records.
Through the adoption agency, Patricia reached out to Vernita, even though she still had no idea who she was, but Vernita said she didn’t want to meet her. During the taping of their emotional reunion, Vernita explains she was “ashamed” about giving her up for adoption, which is why she held off meeting her.
Still, Patricia didn’t give up and after reaching out to several other Winfrey family members, she finally connected with Vernita at the end of last October. On Thanksgiving Day, Oprah arrived at her mother’s house to meet the half-sister she never knew. Oprah called it a “Beloved moment” and on the show, aired home video of the pairs first meeting and embrace.
So touching! We can’t wait to see the episode! Its going to require a whole case of tissues, for sure!
[Image via AP Images.]