23andMe – shannon p. laws

DNA Part Seven: End of the Line?

DNA Part Seven: End of the Line? OK, I’ll admit it, for the last two years the most I did in my DNA search was to send out four identical, short, thought out letters to the last four known address of my birth mother. All four were returned “Unknown. Return to Sender.” IContinue reading “DNA Part Seven: End of the Line?”

DNA Part Five: How Do You Identify?

This morning I’m reviewing my results from 23andMe. I’m feeling frustrated and exhausted. Starting to wonder if I am an alien baby thrown from a space ship as it was circling the sun. The results came back on Thanksgiving 2014, but the closest relative located is a third cousin; we have four segments in commonContinue reading “DNA Part Five: How Do You Identify?”

DNA Part Four: Spice

Spice I recently moved. I noticed while cooking the other day that I gave up a spice advantage. The “community” spice rack had all sorts of wonderful grounded herbal ingredients. One of my favorites is smoked paprika. My current meager collection is about 6 things: two kinds of salt, a black pepper grinder, curry and…Continue reading “DNA Part Four: Spice”

DNA Part Three: The Test Is In

The Test is In So today, the day after Thanksgiving, I receive the results from my DNA test with 23andMe. Logging in I went straight to the “My Results” tab. My hands were shaking a bit. I wondered if there would be an immediate DNA match, perhaps 6-12% or more, with another person on file.Continue reading “DNA Part Three: The Test Is In”

DNA Part Two: The Waiting

Part Two The Waiting I’m getting close to the day. The day my 23andMe DNA test will return and I’ll know my genetic heritage. I’ve decided to share the results with my two children first, then my mom and brother, (my father has passed). Then share it here. The story will not end with theContinue reading “DNA Part Two: The Waiting”

DNA Part One: It Begins

I have a 23andMe DNA kit and I’m not afraid to use it! If you follow my blog or know me a little more than most—like the way one may “know” Nutella after eating half a container—then you’ll know that I am adopted. Orphaned, then adopted. I literally made it 40 years not knowingContinue reading “DNA Part One: It Begins”