Father of Mine.

While gossiping with my mom about someone getting married, I started to search the ’net. While people searching, I always type my dad’s name in. In the past 28 years, I know it’s hopeless. But, I think it’s become out of habit now.

Nancel Mack Daughtery.

What a horrible name. I know in 1978, he went by Nicky. I would too.

And suddenly, I got a hit. After almost three decades.

Holy. Shit.

As Andy said when I told him today - "your heart just goes THUMPTHUMPTHUMP.."

The search says "get all the information you want only $1.95!" Weird. 28 years and it’s only going to cost me $2.

I called my mom in here and explained to her. She asked me all the questions as far as his name to verify. Then she said "Well...go ahead and get the address..."

$2. And I had written the address with a sharpy on a piece of paper. No phone number. But, I was one step closer.

So, I call my cousin Johnny and ask if there is any way he knows of to get an unlisted phone number for someone.

I explain to him that I searched the white pages - and only found one Daughtery in Etowah - her name is Jereldine. I said "What should I say to her? "Hi, I’m Nicky’s daughter that he never knew?" I laughed, "how ridiculous does that sound?!"

I could tell Johnny’s smile through the phone as he said "Start out polite, explain fast because there might be a chance she’ll hang up if you beat around the bush."

Deeep breath.

I try to call numerous times with a busy signal answering me. The nerve it was taking was immeasurable.

And...finally, I got someone who answered.

"Hello?" she said with a strong country accent. I said "Hi, may I speak to Jereldine please?" "Yes this is she." I said "Hi, my name is Tamela Jones, how are you tonight?" "Well, I’m pretty good." "I know this is a completely random question - but are you related to a Nancel or Nicky Daughtery?"

"Uhh..well...yeah, kinda. I used to be married to his brother, Kenneth."

....and this is how I met my aunt Jereldine.

I just reread that sentence above about 10 times now.

I explained to Jereldine that I am Nicky’s daughter who never knew him. She didn’t seem surprised at all. I was very forth write with all my information and asked her if she had a contact number. She said "I think I do, but if I give it to you, you cannot tell him you got it from me."

While looking for the number I found out that my grandma’s name is Hazel who lived in Florida up until the early ’90s when she passed away. I have two uncles, Kenneth & Jerry. And I have a sister named Angie.

I have a sister.

I’m a sister.

She told me that my dad has mental problems (which I already knew) and had schizophrenic. "Well, that’s a good thing to know." I said with a smile. "He’s a pretty good guy as long as he’s on his pills."

I said "I considered writing him, but, I don’t know." she said "Honestly, honey, I don’t think he’d write you back."

My aunt is nice and honest, which is what I need.

I said "I do not want anything from him but to know my siblings names and if I should be looking for any dieases down the line." she said "...and you have a right to it."

I am suppose to call her back wednesday, she is going to try to get a good phone number for me.

I found out more in a 5 minute phone call than I have known in 28 years.

It’s all a lot to comprehend.