12 / matters magazine / summer 2018 After returning to Ottawa, Babi- neau will await another powerful meet- ing. “My biological mother inquired about me after giving me up for adop- tion,” he explains. “She was told that I was dead. Next week, I’ll be meeting her for the first time.” Throughout the weekend, Bartlett mentions her desire to spread the word of her story so that others may be in- spired to have their DNA tested. “I’m hoping our story will motivate some- one to find their kin. I know two peo- ple who have been adopted,” she says. “It’s nice for us to have a celebration and see our picture in the paper, but maybe this can motivate other families to find each other.” In a few weeks, Bartlett and Ballew will visit Babineau and his wife in Ot- tawa. “We just can’t wait,” she says, and then pauses for a moment. “I always start to cry when I tell this story. But it’s a good cry.” Donny Levit is a journalist, writer, and author of Rock ’n’ Roll Lies, 10 Stories. He is the editor of newpulpcity.com, an arts and culture website. Follow him on @donnyreports. Marie and then leads them in a call and response prayer: “Now, we will grow together, love together, forgive together, learn together. No matter what hap- pens, we must keep in contact. While not perfect, we promise – no matter what – to be our best, to be family, one family. Now. Forever. And for always.” During a quiet moment after the festivities, Ballew sits at her kitchen ta- ble to discuss her reaction to the gath- ering. “Since my mother’s generation is all gone, having him makes me feel more connected to that generation,” she says. “I’m feeling overwhelmed, amazed, and the fact that he’s a good person, too...it’s like a gift that you didn’t realize you had.” During their visit, Babineau and his wife will stay in a room once occupied by Ballew and Bartlett's mother. “She lived with me for 15 years, and now our new family can sleep there,” says Ballew. Before Babineau and Ann-Marie return to Ottawa, Bartlett bestows a gift. “I gave him his father’s hat. I had it cleaned and blocked for him,” she says. “That hat is older than Alain, and it’s his exact size. And Alain is a hat collector! I know, it’s hard to believe. This fills me with unspeakable joy.” Sisters Patty Ballew and Sandra Bartlett with Alain Babineau, their newly discov- ered uncle, and his wife, Ann-Marie. Sandra Bartlett (center in blue) and Alain Babineau (far right), her newly discovered uncle, celebrate their meeting with friends and family. A week later, Alain Babineau meets Thérèse Nolin, his biological mother, for the first time. NOW ENROLLING FOR SUMMER CAMP! A Paint & Sip Art Lounge with a twist A charity benefits every time you book with us. girls night out date night corporate events showers private parties fundraisers summer camps kids art classes www.ASipofArt.com 235 Prospect Ave (Whole Foods Plaza), West Orange • 973-255-6815 • info@aSipofArt.com *email us about our BOGO promotion!