Key Takeaways:
- Halina Tilsley, an 80-year-old woman from New Zealand, discovered that her biological father was not who she thought it was, but rather a German man named Hubert Kroll.
- Halina’s mother, Daniela Bem, had a relationship with Hubert during World War II, but they were forced apart due to the war and the fact that Hubert was German and Daniela was Polish.
- Halina and her family used DNA testing to discover the truth about her biological father and were able to connect with Hubert, who is now 100 years old.
- Halina is planning to meet Hubert in Germany, along with her daughters and granddaughter, and is hoping to find closure and learn more about her family’s history.
- The discovery has been a life-changing experience for Halina, who is still coming to terms with the news and is excited to learn more about her heritage.
Introduction to Halina’s Story
Halina Tilsley, an 80-year-old woman from New Zealand, had always believed that her father was Ernest Petersen, a British-born Kiwi soldier who became a prisoner of war in Poland during World War II. However, a DNA test revealed that Ernest was not her biological father, and Halina’s life was turned upside down. Her mother, Daniela Bem, had met Ernest while he was working in a coal mine in Poland, and they had eloped in 1945. After the war, they moved to New Zealand, where Halina was raised. But the DNA test results showed that Halina’s heritage was entirely eastern European, with no British ancestry.
Discovering the Truth
The DNA test was a gift from Halina’s daughter, Wanda, who had been curious about their family’s history. The results showed that Halina had no British heritage, which was a shock to the family. Further testing confirmed that Ernest was not Halina’s biological father. The family was stunned and began to search for answers. They reached out to Halina’s half-sister, who had taken many of their mother’s belongings after her death. The sister found a letter, written in Polish, from a man named Hubert, who was trying to reconnect with Daniela. The letter was dated 1984, and the family realized that Hubert must be Halina’s biological father.
Uncovering the Past
Through social media, the family tracked down the author of the letter and messaged him. He replied immediately, revealing that Hubert was still alive and had just celebrated his 100th birthday. Halina was shocked and stunned by the news. She had always known that her mother had a special someone in her life before Ernest, but she had never imagined that it was a German man named Hubert. As the family learned more about Hubert, they discovered that he had been a kind and gentle man who had fallen in love with Daniela during the war. However, their love was forbidden, and they were forced apart.
A New Chapter
Halina and her family are now preparing to meet Hubert in Germany. They have set up a Givealittle page to cover their travel expenses, and Halina is excited to learn more about her heritage. She hopes to find closure and learn more about her family’s history. Halina’s daughters and granddaughter will accompany her on the trip, and they are all looking forward to meeting Hubert. As Halina prepares for the trip, she is still coming to terms with the news and is unsure of what to expect. She hopes to learn more about her mother’s life and her relationship with Hubert, and she is excited to start a new chapter in her life.
A Family Reunited
The discovery of Hubert’s existence has been a life-changing experience for Halina and her family. They are grateful to have found each other and are excited to start a new chapter in their lives. As they prepare to meet Hubert, they are filled with emotions and anticipation. Halina hopes that the trip will bring her closure and help her to understand her family’s history. She is also excited to learn more about her heritage and to connect with her roots. The reunion is a testament to the power of family and the importance of understanding our heritage. As Halina and her family embark on this new journey, they are filled with hope and excitement for the future.
Conclusion
Halina’s story is a remarkable one, filled with twists and turns that have changed her life forever. The discovery of her biological father has been a shock, but it has also brought her closer to her family and her heritage. As she prepares to meet Hubert, she is filled with emotions and anticipation. The trip will be a journey of discovery, not just for Halina, but for her entire family. They will learn more about their history, their heritage, and themselves. The experience will be a rollercoaster of emotions, but it will also be a chance for them to connect with each other and with their roots. As Halina says, "I hope that I know who I am, that I found my place in the world – even if it’s on the other side of it."