A Family I Didn’t Know I Had

A Family I Didn’t Know I Had

Eleven years ago, I found out we had four more siblings on my biological dad’s side. One of them was my big brother, Tony, who opened his heart and his home to us from the very beginning. Over the years, he, his wife, and their family have welcomed us every chance they could. What started as strangers connected by DNA has grown into a genuine family.

Shared Traits, Shared Resilience

One of the things that still amazes me is how much Tony and I have in common. We look alike, share a similar sense of humor, and somehow carry many of the same traits, even though we grew up in completely different homes. He is also an entrepreneur who runs several farming businesses.

That makes it even more incredible to watch both of us build lives that defy the statistics and challenges that can come with having biological parents who struggled with addiction. I went into foster care because of neglect and abuse, along with three of my siblings from my biological mom’s side. Tony’s dad disappeared from his life one day, and Tony fought tooth and nail to become who he is today.

I think that shared resilience is a big part of why we get along so well. Grit, determination, and entrepreneurship make for some tough cookies.

The Beginning of Entrepreneur Spark

This year made those family connections feel even more special because Littlest Duck got to experience real farm life firsthand. We stayed at Tony’s farm, where she fed animals, got up extra early because of the time difference, explored the land, got dirty, worked hard, and soaked up every minute of it.

Watching her create memories with family we did not even know existed for most of her life is something I treasure. She already cannot wait to go back next summer.

It is also a blessing for her to see that entrepreneurship can take many forms. She does not have to work in an office like I do. She can become the large-animal veterinarian she dreams of being, or build something entirely her own.

A Friendly Reminder for Future Business Owners

If you would like to start a business, you can do it. Start small, try it out, and then go all in when you are ready. Let it be a side hustle until it can become a full time business.

And if you are trying to figure out how to pay yourself or what to charge, I have a worksheet for you: DOWNLOAD HERE

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