Published: March 18, 2008 10:12 am            

Woman seeks help in locating biological father

Got a problem you'd like to share with Sidney? Write to her at: The Meridian Star, P.O. Box 1591, Meridian, MS 39301 or e-mail her at sidneycovington@comcast.net. All submissions are confidential and go directly to Sidney.



Dear Readers:



Today's letter is a bit different and I'm going to share it with you, just as I received it. Maybe someone can help this woman.

Now that this column is available on The Star's Web page – www.meridianstar.com – people all over are reading it and responding. I have this woman's contact information should anyone wish to reach her; just contact me via "regular mail" at The Meridian Star or through my e-mail address ... SidneyCovington@comcast.net.

Let's hope she is successful in her quest. I'll let you all know!



Love, Sidney



Dear Sidney,



I have been on a search all my life since I can remember to meet or find information out about my biological father and his family. It's been tearing me apart, especially since I found a half sister of mine when I was 18 years old. I have been searching ever since.

All I want is a chance for closer to know my past to know I do have another family. My biological father's name is Stephen Mitchell Jenkins from Meridian Ms. He came to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the mid '70s. I know he was born in '55 or '56. My grandmothers name is Vernice. My uncle Raymond Jenkins passed away. I'm not wanting money or part of his earthly things. I, like many others, just want to know and be able to close the door or say "this is who else I am."

My mother doesnt talk about him and never did while I still was in Iowa. She was shocked when I found my half sister she never thought we would meet. That was by chance. I saved her from running away. She was a friend of a friend and I was helping her look when I heard her name. I cried. I had to find her and I didnt stop until I did and I took her home. I am a mother of two now.

I don't know where else to turn or what to do. I just want to know my past and where I came from. To be able to send a picture of my chiildren to my father and say "these are yours, but I want nothing unless you want to get to know them." I know people make mistakes when they are younger. Look at all of the children who just want closure. I am just like them trying to find the key to the door to say hello and here is my information – it's your choice.

It's also a mission of mine due to the fact that on my mother's side of the family, there is no physical problem like what I have, as well as my sister. We both need the information for our lives to see if they can help us know that cancer is just not a flook. Please – any advice you have please let me know. I dont want to give up a battle I know I have a chance to win. Please can you help me with anything.



Sincerly,



Dawn M. Leiser



• Sidney Covington has a master's degree in counseling. She is a patient advocate and public relations representative for Riley Hospital.

        

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