It's surreal to think about how my life took an unexpected turn.
Growing up in a bustling family of ten siblings, I always felt a bit different. While my brothers and sisters had light hair and eyes, I stood out with my dark features. Jokes about being the "postman's daughter" were thrown around.
Little did I know that this inexplicable curiosity was a whisper from my true roots.
It all began innocently with a historical encyclopedia, a gift from my mother, introducing me to various civilizations, including ancient Egypt. Fast forward to 2019, and I found myself standing before the pyramids, fulfilling a childhood dream.
I didn't realize it, but my journey into my past was just beginning.
The turning point came with a surprise birthday gift from my then-partner—a MyHeritage at-home DNA kit. As the results unfolded, I discovered that my biological heritage was far more diverse than I had ever imagined.
Instead of the expected 80 percent Iberian, I was only 36 percent Portuguese, with a significant share from North Africa and the Middle East. I was surprised.
I shared the results with my parents, and my mother's reaction hinted at a hidden secret. Unbeknownst to me, my biological father was Egyptian, and my mother had been keeping this truth from me my entire life.
Shocked, I embarked on a journey to Egypt, armed with newfound knowledge and a longing to connect with the family I never knew existed.
I received messages from a MyHeritage user claiming to know who my father and it seemed like an elaborate joke at first. But this woman, Samar Tony, was my cousin, reaching out with the hope of connecting the missing pieces of our family puzzle.
Samar shared the story of her uncle, Mustafa, my biological father, who had passed away 14 years ago. A DNA test, initially meant to explore my genealogy background, unexpectedly revealed a first-cousin match.
The pieces of my identity were falling into place, and I couldn't ignore the undeniable connection.
The first call with Samar and subsequent conversations unfolded the story of my mother's brief but intense relationship with Mustafa. His existing marriage in Egypt led to a heartbreaking separation, leaving my mother to raise me with the man I believed was my father.
The revelation was a mix of emotions—confusion, understanding, and a yearning to bridge the decades-long gap.
Armed with newfound knowledge, I confronted my mother, leading to a difficult conversation about choices made in a complex past. The decision to keep the truth hidden was born out of a mother's love; an attempt to shield me from potential hardships.
The journey didn't stop there. In June 2022, I flew to Paris to meet Samar, my uncle, and my newfound cousins. Laughter, tears, and hugs filled the room as we exchanged stories, realizing the depth of our familial bonds.
The family reunion in Egypt came next, where I met my other two siblings, a brother and sister, surrounded by distant relatives who traveled on donkeys to welcome me.
The cultural shock was profound but beautiful—a traditional meal on the floor, prayers in Arabic, and the warmth of a family I never knew I had. The sense of belonging overwhelmed me as I looked around at faces mirroring my own.
Back in Luxembourg, my siblings from my upbringing had their concerns but eventually embraced the truth. The journey wasn't without challenges, but the love and acceptance I found in both families reassured me that I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Today, I'm learning Arabic to strengthen my bond with my newfound family. My story is a testament to the power of uncovering one's roots and breaking down cultural barriers.
We may be a little bit of everything, but there's no difference between us in the end. I am Portuguese and Egyptian, a living testament to the beauty of embracing our diverse origins.
Kate Valério, a Portuguese girl living in Luxembourg, discovered that she had Egyptian roots by taking a MyHeritage DNA test at the age of 32.
All views expressed in this article are the author's own.
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Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Kate Valério, a Portuguese girl living in Luxembourg, discovered that she had Egyptian roots by taking a MyHeritage DNA test ... Read more
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