The Story Has Yet To Continue

To those reading my blog, believe me when I say that I've never been more nervous for anything in my life. My trip to Nova Scotia was the trip of a lifetime, and a lot to take in for a 19 year old girl from Utah. However, there is not a doubt in my mind that this trip was worth the anxiety, and fear of not knowing what to expect. Going into this, I didn't know whether my biological family would accept me or not. Whether or not they'd be disappointed in who I'd become, or proud of who I am. As far as I was concerned, no matter the reassuring of, well, everyone, I was traveling thousands of miles away for a trip that could either be amazing, or miserable.

Let me be the first to say that my trip was absolutely amazing.

It took nothing more than a matter of seconds to feel like I was a part of the family... because, well, I was part of the family. I AM part of the family. All my life I knew I was adopted, and all my life I had a desire within me to find my birthparents. I never, in a million years,  imagined that I'd be finding dozens of cousins, a whole handful of aunts and uncles, an amazing pair of grandparents, and a giant extended family, all of whom love and accept me to no end. Growing up, I, at most, figured I might see a picture of my birth mom and MAYBE my biological Dad. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be flying to Nova Scotia, to spend 9 indescribable days with my family, my own flesh and blood, in none other than the beautiful Cape Breton. The land of my roots.

I immediately felt like i'd known these people my entire life! Before I could say "tickity-boo" I was teasing my Grampy as he teased back, playing intense games of cards with my very competitive Nanny, speaking the unique language that only comes out of my Aunt Cathy 100 miles a minute, learning to play tarabish like a true Caper with my Uncle Kenny, taking trips back and forth to Uncle Gordie's for some of Kathryn's cinnamon rolls while learning the proper way to a true Canadian bon fire, learning to speak up with Carrot, (Aunt Anne Shirley), as she brought up the sound decibel in true fashion, bonding with my Aunt Patsy more than I ever thought possible as she took me under her wing and cared for me as if I were her own daughter, and last but not least, walking the very streets of my heritage with my father, Blair, as he told me of his love for me and how much he admired who I am and who I have yet to become. He expressed sincere gratitude to my parents for raising me into such a beautiful young woman, and he couldn't thank them enough for giving me a life that he would've never been able to give me. Blair and I really connected, and I was thrilled to get to know the man that gave life to me. As I sat there singing songs with him, the man that gave me my voice, there was not a doubt in my mind that I had found my family. Not only had I found them, but I was a part of them now. And, to my canadian family, you're stuck with me now :)

I think it's safe to say the I'm a true Caper!!

My journey to Canada is hard to put into words. Which becomes tricky when everyone and their dog is hounding you to finish up this chapter in your blog ;) Haha! However, I can tell you that it truly WAS the experience of a lifetime, and that I will never forget my time spent in Nova Scotia and PEI with incredible people. I'd be lying if I didn't say it was hardest thing I'd ever done, because not only did I have to take a giant leap outside my comfort zone, but I had to, for several days, give myself to people that I'd never met before. People that had been in this world, loving me for my entire life, that I never knew about. It was so hard to get on that plane as I left Utah. But, guys, it was totally harder to say goodbye to my canadian family. My heart was stolen from the minute my very own, flesh and blood Grandmother wrapped me in her arms at 4 in the morning as we arrived in Cape Breton.

Meeting my biological father, Blair, for the first time of my life. 

My sweet Nanny and Grampy :)

The memories and pictures of this trip are endless, and to go on and on would take many pages and days. I understand you all have lives, as do I, so I'm going to officially wrap up this chapter of my life. I'd like to do that by saying thank you.

Thank you to all my readers who take the time to take a peek into my amazing story. 

Thanks to my friends for their love and support, and for reminding me to come home. 

Thank you to the plane for not crashing, and taking me safely to Canada. 

Thank you to my extended family in PEI, for always being willing to put your arm around me, and make me feel welcome. 

Thank you to my brand new cousins for making me feel like i've been there forever, and helping me realize that I didn't so much as miss out on the last 19 years, but rather  I was simply being prepared for a whole new future with my canadian family. 

Thanks to my new aunts and uncles for making me feel at home! Big special thanks to Cathy for 'rocking and rolling,' and getting us from one place to the next. I love you all so very much. 

Thank you to the Browns for making me an honorary member of their clan. To Tricia for sharing a room with me, putting up with my sleep walking, and cuddling with me in her sleep. To Bryant and Char for keeping my feet on the ground, and letting me play with their adorable babies. To Spencer for showing me how to truly appreciate good lobster. And to Andrew for showing me how to master cards, master the accent, master the family, and most importantly, for being my best friend. Through it all, I knew that he'd be there with open arms waiting for the good, the bad, and the ugly of the trip. Love you, guys! 

A BIG ol' Thank you to my Aunt Patsy. Patsy, words don't express how much you mean to me, and I could've never done this without you. You were there through the laughs, and the tears, and I can't thank you enough for everything. If it weren't for you, (and Facebook) I would've never found all these people that love and care for me. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't of been raised in Utah by a family who means the world to me, growing up in a home where I could experience and live as a member of the LDS faith. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have gone to Cape Breton. I wouldn't have met my Nanny and Grampy. I wouldn't have met my father, Blair. So Thank you a million times over.

Thank you to my family here in Utah, including my awesome brother, Spencer. I know it hasn't been easy for you, and I appreciate your patience as I find and experience this part of my life. I knew that you were all a phone call away, and would always be there for me. Your love and support has got me to the point where I could safely go through with this trip. You guys made me strong and ready for all this. I love you all so much! You are MY family, and always will be. I can't thank you enough for being there for me. 

Thank you to my parents, Ron and Debbie. Wow! I've got to experience all of this because of you. It's because of your support and trust in me that I was able to get on that plane and do one of the hardest things of my life. You two raised me to be who I am today, and I can't begin to tell you how much I love you both. You are MY parents. I thank you for allowing me to do this, and, backing up 19 years, for adopting me into your life as one of your own. I know that you've never thought of me as anything less than your daughter, and I appreciate your unwavering love. Thank you again and again. 

Thank you to my Nanny and Grampy. You two made me feel more at home than I ever thought was possible anywhere outside of my Utah walls. I felt your love as soon as I walked in the door, and it was constant 'till the minute we said our goodbye. You'd never met me before, and I'd never met you, and still, somehow, we fit together like a puzzle, and there's not a doubt in my mind that you are my grandparents, and forever have my love. 

And last but not least, Thank you to Blair. 19 years ago, you made a very hard decision, and gave up your little girl. But, Blair, I cannot thank you enough for doing that. Because of your selflessness, I grew up in a more than perfect life, with an amazing family, and amazing opportunities. I know you sacrificed to do what was best for me, and for that, I am forever grateful. The beauty is that now we know each other, and can build a relationship from this point on. I appreciate you taking the time off of work to come and spend time with me, and I thank you for your support and love that has been constant since the day I was born. It was a pleasure to meet you, and I can't wait for what the future holds for us. For Nanny and Grampy. For my Aunts and Uncles. My millions of cousins! For my GIANT family that has consumed my life, and, well, I couldn't be happier about it all.

I didn't find a new family, oh no, my family simply grew. :) And I love you all. More than I could ever let you know. So I guess this wraps up a part of my life!  But it's not the end. It's not goodbye. Because, even though I finished off a very important chapter, the story has yet to continue. 

Until next time!

Lauren Jayne 

P.S. Stay tuned as my birth-mom, Lori, travels down to Utah in the next couple months. See! Told you the story wasn't over :) 

The Story is Yet To Come!

Hey all, I know I said I was going to live blog, but that hasn't gone so well. When we're not running around doing a bunch of fun things, I'm dead to the world asleep. Not to mention the lack of wifi. But guys. HOLY CRAP!!!! This last week has been one incredible story. Thanks for being patient with me. I can't wait to tell you.

So long from St. George, New Brunswick. :)

Day Two and I'm Already Sassy as the Rest!

The title of this blog is something Grampy said this evening. He's a bit worried about what the rest of the week will bring if i'm already so sassy on the second night. He also let me know I fit riiiight in! And even if I didn't with the attitude, I do with the ears... my oh my do we LeBlanc's have ears! Haha, it's great, really.

Today started out like any other, a shower, where i never did completely dry off due to the humidity. A quick bite to eat. Some singing!! Then off to Sydney to turn in the papers for my citizenship. My aunt Cathy is the greatest, and knew all the right people and just what to do. I bonded with Patsy a bit at the harbour while Cathy took care of all the business end. Then off to the Cape Breton shop!! Here I bought my first souvenir, a ring in the shape of the Gaelic knot. This was only after Blair had told me this morning that my original name, Bria, is of Gaelic decent and that's why they picked it. So now I have a piece of that name on my finger in the shape of a ring :)

After a quick bite to eat, Cathy decided that I couldn't quite be a Cape Bretoner until I felt the water at Dominion Beach. So I sure did! FREEZING cold and kids were actually Swimming in it! Crazy Canadians. (Well I guess I shouldn't say that since i'm going to be one soon. Ha!) And while we're on the subject, they keep giving me 'things I have to do' before I can truly become Canadian. I wonder when it'll ever stop, truthfully!

After that, I met another of my uncles, Gordy. He and his family are great... even if they do have a lopsided above ground pool.

It's nice have my best pal Andrew here, even though he thinks he can beat me at cards. We have played at least 6 rounds of Lily, and It's been so close every time. However, our last game we made a little bet. The loser had to run down this quaint Cape Breton neighbor hood shouting.. "I'm a loser, I'm a loser!" So the game begins. I obviously think Andrew is cheating.. which he is. But man was it a close game. Right down tot he last card, and BAM he gets me. Welcome to Cape Breton, Lauren, as I run down the street makin a fool of myself. Blair was at Gordy's house, which is down the road, and they heard me. Blair says, "I wonder who that was?!" And Gordy turns to him and says... " That one, that one was yours." Naturally.

Before dinner, Blair and I took a drive to talk. It was a lovely talk where we chatted about all sorts of things. It was also a very emotional talk as you can imagine. The love I feel here is nothing short of a miracle. I'm amazed that all these people who have never met me before can love me so much already. I definitely feel at home, and loved by all. ESPECIALLY Blair.

A Miracle, people. Nothing short of a miracle.

Lobster again for dinner. I inhaled mine. Practically shell and all. We also eat two kinds of soup. One Nanny made and one Gordy made. I'm afraid to spell them because i'll spell them wrong, but they sound something like this... Frick-up, and Frick-o :)

Andrew and I took a long walk and chatted, it was then that I said.. I never thought that I'd be here. In Cape Breton. Walking down the street with my biological cousin. Eating an Eat More bar!! Crazy how things work out.

Another great day here in Canada. Oh sorry! I mean, Cape Breton. ;)

Now i'd better shut my computer off so Tricia and I can get some sleep. Tomorrow it starts alllllll over again! I can't wait :)

P.S. I'm definitely picking up a bit of an accent. The Utahns are going to kill me!

Hello From Cape Breton

The Journey Begins

Hey guys! I'm here!!!!! I can't believe that i'm sitting here looking out the window at the beautiful island of Cape Breton right now. Now, I really should be in bed, asleep because A) I'm exhausted and B) Patsy said so. So don't tell her i'm up ;) But, I know my fans want to here about today, and more importantly, I want to tell about today. 

But before we can get into all the mushy gushy stuff, I think it's important to everyone that I SURVIVED THE PLANE!!! Hallelujah! It actually wasn't bad at all, however, I was quite drugged up. But! Nevertheless I made it here. Our flight leaving Detroit left about an hour later than it was supposed, so we got into Halifax rather late. That is where I met my first relative, Cathy. Everyone later accounts that they sent her to pick us up, because if I could survive her, the rest would be a breeze. Cathy is just tickity-boo (Canadian word I picked up,) and although I couldn't much understand a word she said, I knew her and I would be good friends immediately. We then began the long drive to Cape Breton, but FIRST we had a stop at McDonalds for a McLobster sandwich. Oh yes. That's right. It was to DIE for. Then on our way! I dozed on and off, and eventually I woke up outside my Nanny and Grampy's house. We were here. At 3:30 am. 

I then met my sweet grandparents who were up to greet us. The nicest people in the world. (If I wasn't a hugger before this trip, i'm going to be after. WOW)

We didn't last long before it was off to bed. However, I didn't much sleep due to the excitement of the upcoming event... meeting Blair. So up at 9 I was, got ready, wandered downstairs where Nanny made me a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast, had two bites of the sandwich, and then I saw Blair pull up. 

Oh. My. Gosh. That was it for me. I couldn't eat another bite, and began pacing the floor in anticipation. He walked in the backdoor, where I couldn't see, and greeted Patsy. Then he turned the corner and saw me. 

There really aren't words for that moment. He just grabbed me up in his arms and hugged me. And hugged me. And hugged me. Everyone was emotional at that point, and I was just in a daze. This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be the moment I had waited for my entire life. He just stood there with his arms around me as everyone took thousands of pictures. It's like we were famous or something. 

The rest of today was kinda a blur. I'm exhausted and overwhelmed. It hit me about dinner time, and I became rather emotional thinking that I was here with my flesh and blood family. People that don't even know me that still love me unconditionally. It's kinda amazing. However, there are a few events of the day worth writing down.

-Meeting Blair!!! Today was one of the most important days of my life, and I can't wait to continue to get to know him over the next week. 

-Laughing and Laughing and LAUGHING!! That's all we do up here. 

-Grampy making the best hot dog i've ever eaten ;) 

-Meeting my Uncle Kenny and his wife. Oh man. He is a character! I've never laughed so hard in my  life. 

-Blair playing the guitar. He's the "bomb!" 

-Trying sooo incredibly hard to understand the accents around here. Keeping up with the slang. Picking up some of my own.... look out Utah ;)

-Meeting Cathy's daughters, Danielle and Alisha.

-Taking a walk down the street with Patsy, and learning all about where she grew up, and how much of a miracle this whole thing is.

-Waving at the random cars as they drive up the street!! Capers are so friendly, they'll wave and honk at you no matter what. But mostly because they just assume they know you from SOME random connection.

-Seeing my cousin Andrew FINALLY late tonight. Also my best friend. 

Well, I really can't keep my eyes open much longer, and i've got more adventures coming ahead. But guys. Don't worry about me. I'm in the best hands ever, and I feel so at home here. I feel like i'm one of the family, which I guess, I am. :) I'm going to bed very happy tonight. I can't wait to see what tomorrow has to bring. Today has been one of the best days of my entire life, and I can't even contain how blessed I feel. I feel so loved, and I love everyone right back. 

I met my biological father today. Really, there are no amount of words that can explain how I feel. 

Goodnight, friends!

P.S. I miss my folks! Can't thank them enough for giving me this opportunity, and preparing me for 19 wonderful years so that I could be ready for this moment. Again, SO BLESSED!