I remember years ago – we were just leaving Hamilton to move to Ottawa when Leanne let us know that she had been in contact with her birth mother, who it turned out lived in Hamilton. She was overjoyed to be able to contact, see, and talk to someone from her birth family. It was a very moving time for her – and us.

I think the curiosity of people who have been adopted in the very early years of life, must be significant. How could you, if it was you, not want to know the answers to questions like – who is my mother, my father? Do I have brothers or sisters? What do they look like, and are there health or other issues I should know about? Seeking answers would be only natural, and I hope welcomed.

During the global pandemic, I had extra time in my schedule. No commuting and no travel meant that I had time to think about other things… I hope the world has not lost sight of some of those valuable lessons! But I digress. I decided it would be good to spend some time gathering up some photos and history of my family. I started with the Eastland family, and later on to the Waters clan. Both the Eastlands and the Waters have their roots in the United Kingdom. My Grandpa Eastland came from Folkestone and my Grandpa Waters from Gillingham (now part of Chatham).

Here is the power of the internet! Recently a man was looking for information on the Eastland family and came across my blog. He left a message which led to some email exchanges and I met Randy Bushell. Now 76 years of age, Randy has a connection with our family that I was completely unaware of.

Randy and I eventually had a lovely conversation and I offered to let him introduce himself to us through my blog. And so let me step aside and you can read his own writing.

“I was born in Toronto on Jan. 11, 1948, with the birth name William Kent Eastland.

Shortly after birth, I was adopted by Frederick and Teresa Bushell who lived in Stevensville. I was given the name Randall Brock Bushell. As Ted and Teresa had no other children, I was an only child. Growing up, I always knew I was adopted, but it was never an issue as I had a loving family to raise me and give me a very good life.

Later in life, I often wondered if I had other siblings or relatives. After the passing of my parents, I found my birth certificate with my birth mother’s name, no father’s name listed.

With adoption records opened and ancestry DNA matching, my wife and I were able to trace distant cousins throughout England. With records in Niagara Falls Library, we found some Eastland family history but could go no further.

By chance, my wife found a blog on the computer from Fred talking about the Eastland Family in Niagara Falls. After a few messages and very exciting information, I received a phone call from Fred telling me about my birth mother and that she is 96 and living in Niagara Falls. I was very grateful to receive this information after all these years, knowing I do have relatives. My wife and I have been married for 51 years and live in Niagara. We have 2 sons and 2 grandchildren. We hope to follow up and see where this will lead us.”

As my given name is Frederick I find it interesting that Randy’s adopted father was also Fred. After all, you can never have too many Freds!