Original Air Date:
Monday, January 24, 2011
Guests:
Oprah welcomed her half-sister Patricia to the show to share their story in their own words.
Show Summary:
Oprah has a sister. A half-sister, Patricia, was given up for adoption at birth by their mother, Vernita Lee. Never knowing of her existence, Oprah shared the shock she experienced after learning of her sister near Thanksgiving 2010 and the story behind the discovery.
Special Highlights:
This episode featured the following highlights:
- Patricia and her two children uncovered the family bond after looking through adoption papers, reaching out to the agency to confirm contact with the birth mother, and ultimately seeing Oprah's mother on television in Milwaukee and putting the pieces together.
- Keeping quiet since 2007, Patricia tried to reach out to members of the family with no success, until she decided to go and meet the daughter of her late-half-sister.
- After confirming the history with a DNA test, Patricia eventually met Oprah and family on Thanksgiving Day 2010.
- Oprah and Patricia will continue to get to know each other over time as they are the only two living children of four conceived by Vernita Lee.
What to Take Away from the Show:
Oprah was right in saying that Patricia and her children are of great character and integrity to uncover family history and not run straight to the press as many people have done to Oprah and her private information through the years. Considering that this fact had been kept secret since 2007 is a testament to Patricia and her family. The family held themselves together on the show, wanting to release the details in their own time and words before the press was able to be informed of the situation, and obviously showed an excitement at finally having answers to long-asked questions, and ultimately, a family.