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10 | LIFE IN SOLERA | DECEMBER 2024 | By Sharon Waitman Carol and Babe Brown have been peacefully residing in Solera for 20 years. After 51 years of marriage, they never thought there would be any more surprises until a couple of months ago. This surprise started to formulate a few years ago when Carol was astonished after her sister, E.J. Balleweg in Idaho called to inform her that she had just done (with her grandson Monty's urging) her DNA through ancestry.com, and found an unfamiliar name that seemed to be related to them. His name, Byron Jack Van Cott, didn't ring any bells. So after some discussion, the family decided to send a text to ancestry in hopes that it would be passed to Byron, saying they would be interested in hearing from him. About that same time, Byron Van Cott also did a DNA report through ancestry. Unfortunately, he was only interested in his heritage and not his lineage so he couldn't review the names on the report. As a result, he did not see the text from E.J. and E.J.'s son, Brian, nor the name Laura Walker. Fast forward to 2024 and Byron's grandson, Alec, did his own DNA, and found a strange relation by the name of Laura Walker. He called his step grandmother who did not recognize the name. She then had Byron take a look at his own DNA to see if that name came up. Well, guess what? In his information were not only Laura's name but the text from E.J. and Brian. Anxious to check out this unknown relative, Byron called the number in the text the following day and a new chapter in their lives began. In 1937, Laura Walker was 21 years old attending business college in Michigan. Laura was from an affluent family in Sault St. Marie, Michigan, and the family enjoyed respect and status in the community. It was at this time that Laura suddenly moved to Salt Lake City. Eventually Laura married and had two daughters Carol and Elizabeth Jane (E.J.). Throughout her life, Laura lived with her secret and never told anyone about that sudden move to Salt Lake City. She carried that secret to her grave. Byron (Jack) Van Cott, born May 22,1937, now 87 years old, knew he had been privately adopted by a childless couple and enjoyed a full and loving life. He had a great desire throughout his life to find his birth parents. However, the information was sealed and he was never able to uncover his history. After several conversations and planning, on Sept. 10, they all met at E.J.'s home in Idaho. There were 11 family members in all there, and it was a moving and emotional celebration of a new-found-family. Jack is married and has two daughters, three grandchildren and one great grandson. He lives in Boca Raton, Florida. Carol and E.J. knew there was no mistake that Jack was their half-brother because he looked just like their Uncle Harry and their mother, Laura. Another coincidence, E.J. was born on Jack's birthday May 22,1946. Imagine how her mother felt on that day! Throughout the entire five days that Carol, E.J., and Jack were together their excitement and exuberance was contagious to observers in restaurants and traveling. They told their story to anyone who asked. Strangers were thrilled for this united at last family. They received special treatment and perks at restaurants and wherever they went. Upon departure they all hugged, kissed and promised to continue this special relationship. Carol says her mother is looking down from heaven saying, "At long last my children are together — no more secrets." What's in your DNA? Better check it out. What's In Your DNA? Carol and Jack in Idaho Carol is now the middle child Newfound family! E.J., Jack, and Carol's rst meeting