What happens when your world suddenly turns upside down? There was a time when everything seemed perfect. Now, flawless love is gone.

Alcohol controlled a large part of my father’s life. My papa called every drink “one for the road.” Within a short time, the community viewed him as irresponsible and incapable of caring for a child. Due to this, I spent much of my childhood in foster care.

It has been many years since my mother passed away. In 2000, I received a long-distance call at work, and. the person on the other end of the line informed me my papa had just died.

When I look back on my childhood, I remember the good times with him. As a child, my papa and I were inseparable. The times he held me on his shoulders and ran around the yard laughing and being silly are some of my fondest memories. The flashback brings tears to my eyes. It gives me some comfort to believe my papa at least tried to be a hands-on father.

RELATED: The Smell of Lime To An Alcoholic’s Daughter

My children have heard me speak often about my mother. However, they knew very little about my papa. There were times when I found it difficult to mention him. In some cases, memories come in pieces. Even so, I’ve always felt like my childhood held secrets. My first conversation with my children about my papa was when I learned he had died. I received a sympathy card from my colleagues. Together with my kids, we read the condolence messages. I shared a memory from my childhood about him. I suppose that’s my way of proving to my children and myself that he was significant to us.

Despite this, life continued. Several years later, I reconnected with some of my siblings. We had embarked on separate journeys after my mother died. My last interaction with my siblings was as a child. My brother shared photos of his family. I was delighted to see them. A particular image caught my eye. In one of the photos, an older man resembled my brother. I asked my brother about the older man in the picture, and he replied, “That’s your father.” I was shocked and confused. My already complicated life took another unexpected twist. I was furious when I learned the man in the photo was my biological father. I wondered where he was all those years.

In 2000, I accepted my papa’s death. Again, I struggled with grief. I mourned for not knowing my paternal father for decades. In any case, as a child, I always felt something was missing. There is still a lot I need to learn about myself. What’s next?

RELATED: I Discovered the Truth About My Identity Through a DNA Test Kit

My discovery of my biological father changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. I’m somebody’s daughter. That much is clear. I have siblings I didn’t even know existed. After speaking with them, I confirmed the truth.

There were times, however, when I pondered everything in my mind. Why me, and why did it end this way?’ What could I have done wrong to suffer such trauma and confusion? I had no idea who I was for so many years, but I discovered many things because of the truth. As a result, I’ve gotten to know myself and other members of my family better. God’s grace and love have enabled me to accept, forgive, and move forward.

Often, people are unaware a part of their lives is missing. For some, there is hope that the missing pieces will appear. I believe it was God’s plan for me to reach this point. There are no limits to His love. I am grateful that my Heavenly Father is always there for us, as promised.