I was never interested in my larger family.  I grew up in a small, insular community, and heard stories, and saw photos but no one put the stories and photos together.  No one gave these people life.  My mother was a very negative person.  So, I turned my back, went to therapy, and spent years trying to untangle the web my mother had created.  And now, I am lonely and aging, and my daughter had gotten my grandson interested in DNA and so, long story short, I managed TO FIND a real second cousin I never knew existed!  And here we are.    It is true you cannot pick your family members.  BUT imagine how great it is to find a relative you connect with and actually like!  It fills that emptiness and together you bond and fill in gaps and connect dots and share stories with.  And MARLA is a pro at this- for real.  I am just the lucky recipient!  And if Marla and I lived closer we would probably light the Chanukah menorah together!  And we will in our hearts!