Today my wife asked me to take a walk with her in the back roads of Green Valley, CA.   Just a peaceful two mile stroll to let off some stress and have some time alone together in the Country.  When we returned home, I went upstairs to my office to check my email.  When I opened up my Yahoo email, this is what I saw: 

                      


Now at first glance, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary, but when I saw the name Rick Andersohn (spelled with an "H" )  I just about fell off my chair.  I couldn't open it quick enough!!  I have not seen or heard from my Brother in over 40 years!  He is the only other Andersohn from my real father!  The last I remember ever seeing him was when I was 5 or 6 years old!  Yes, that was over 40 years ago though I know many of you don't think I'm a day over 30!  LOL!~  

I started thinking to myself that this was WAY TO GOOD and Cool to be true, someone must be playing a joke on me.  I have searched the earth for my brother Rick for as long as I can remember.  I use to run his name on reunion.com, I tried to Google him as recently as Christmas this past year, I have never given up hope that one day I would find my brother Rick Andersohn.

So you can imagine my surprise when I saw his name in this email!  OMG!!  I still can't believe this is happening.  I feel like Oprah or Dr. Phil is going to be calling me any second now.  When I opened the email from (supposedly) my brother, this is what it read:

                     



Now I'm freaking out!  I know this is him!  I can't believe it!  My brother found me on Active Rain after being separated for more than 40 years.  I emailed him back immediately and asked him where he was and how he was doing?  Are you ready for this?  He emails me back with his phone number and it's in the same area code as mine!  HOLY COWABUNGA!!  Now I am shaking all over including my hands which were having difficulty dialing his number quick enough! 

A continuing and unfolding story short...

Well, we just hung up the phone after talking for almost 2 hours.  OMG!!!! - I can't believe this!  I am going to go meet with him, my older brother who I didn't know was even still alive or where in the world he might be.  I'm finally going to see him!!  We have so much to talk about, so many things I want to share with him.  So many questions I need answered about my grandparents and my father.  I am still very much in shock that this is happening to me right now.  I have laughed and cried more today than anytime I can recently remember.

I have to say this, and I mean this so sincerely, if it weren't for Active Rain, this may have never happened.  I have looked high and low for my older brother for so many years and been unsuccessful every time.  To have him find and contact me through Active Rain is nothing short of a miracle in my opinion.  I am and will forever be grateful for this place, the experiences, and this day, which I will remember for the rest of my life!  I can't even begin to tell you how much this means to me and to the entire "Andersohn" family.  Our lives have been changed and the experiences we have had here are  unprecedented and priceless.  

This is a photo of me and my brother Rick Andersohn from the last time I remember seeing him!  I think the photo is from 1967 or 1968.  Thank God for Active Rain and for putting us back together after 40+ years!  Thank You, Thank You, THANK YOU!!  I can't wait to see my brother!!  I'm not gonna be able to sleep tonight, I just know it....

              

EDITED AND UPDATED:   MARCH 8th, 2008 - "THE UPDATE"

Well my brother and I have been keeping in contact now and emailing each other photos, we're trying to setup a time to meet.  He works crazy hours and weekends for his company.  I am already learning so much about him that I didn't know.  He works out, he's an important team member of his company, he works odd and crazy hours, and he's just as excited I think to see me.  He just sent me a photo of him and my dad long after I had lost touch with him.  I had never seen what my brother looked like until today.  We are going meet on April 20th, Saturday.  This is the first time he'll have available due to a hectic first quarter schedule. More to Follow:

                                               
                                                     My Dad and my Brother Rick Andersohn

 

 

          

 

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240 Comments on ActiveRain Reunites Lost Brothers After 41 Years - Unbelievable!!

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

APR
03
2008
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Monika - we are suppose to try again this Sunday, I'll certainly keep you posted...I am still as excited as the first day he found me, it's killing me that we haven't been able to meet yet!  :-(
2:16am • #222
APR
09
2008

Brad, it's almost midnight... and I suddenly remembered about Sunday, and I had to login to see...

I figured it didn't again, because I'm sure you would have written about it... but I had to ask...

Man... I'm starting to feel like I'm as anxious as you are! 

 

1:51am • #223
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Niman - I know what you mean!!  We have finally confirmed the 20th at 11:00am at a sportsbar in Petaluma, CA.  A place called "Beyond The Glory" (how appropriate)  It has been almost as hard getting together with him as it was finding each other almost 42 years later. We are confirmed for the 20th of this month. 

You are the coolest for thinking of me at this time of night, and for taking the time to comment!  That really means more to me than words can express. Thanks from the bottom of my heart.  I can tell you are a true and loyal friend!  I value and respect that very much!!   :-)

1:58am • #224
APR
15
2008
2 Featured Posts

Brad,

I spent the first 10 years of my life in Korea.  After the war that divided the nation into two independent countries ended, my maternal grandparents relocated to a town just outside of Seoul.  Growing up, I would see shows of people with old pictures and signs with lists of names on them, looking for long lost loved ones.  Up until I left Korea in 1987 I remember seeing these tired yet determined faces never giving up hope on finding their loved ones.  I saw many of them reunited and many still searching for the one's they've lost.  I'm happy for you and glad that you were one of the blessed to find someone who was lost.  I hope you guys will forge new memories and hold dear to the old ones!

 

6:51pm • #225
APR
17
2008
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
James - that's a very touching comment and story.  Thanks for sharing it and I do feel lucky and blessed to be one of those that gets to be reunited with my long lost brother.  Different circumstances, but the same emotional reward I'm sure.  :-)  We are meeting this Sunday at 11:00am in Petaluma California, and I am totally stoked!!  It's just 3 days away!!!!!   :-))))
9:02am • #226
APR
21
2008
Yay!!! It happened!!!
3:01pm • #227
143,665 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog

Brad

Wonderful story, I hope and pray that you and your brother find your long lost happiness.

4:03pm • #228
APR
22
2008
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Niman -yes, it finally did! And oh what a day it was!  One of the best in my lifetime for sure!  Thanks my friend!!  :-)
2:00am • #229
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Gary - My hopes and prayers have already been answered!  Thanks for that beautiful comment! :-)
2:01am • #230
JUN
27
2008

Brad, I happened across this past post of yours and couldn't help but read it.  Congratulations to you and your brother for finally finding one another and may you never lose each other again.  Mike

9:00am • #231
492,962 Points 46 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

So awesome...what a heart warming story. I am so glad you could find each other!

10:22am • #232
JUN
28
2008
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Mike thanks.  This is truly one of the most incredible stories I am blessed to have had on AR. It makes the entire journey worth every second I've invested.  Finding your family members and all that goes with it is just unimaginable!!  :-)

12:41pm • #233
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Holly - thanks, heart-warming indeed.  He's my big brother and we are finally back in contact after all these years. It just doesn't/can't get any better than that!  :-)

12:42pm • #234
JAN
15
2009
1 Featured Post

Hi Brad - You knew that some of us at today's Omaha OABR event would look up this post after hearing the story, right? It's a wonderful story and I wish you nothing but the best.

Thanks for all of the info today, too. I'm already in process of implementing some of the things that were mentioned.

Ken Tharp, Iowa Equity Exchange

8:48pm • #235
MAY
03
2009
288,781 Points 38 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Incredibly amazing. I tried googling a friend of mine from my youth for years - never found him. Maybe its time to try it again. God has blessed you immensely. I hope you and your brother are still "haning" out.

1:53pm • #236
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Steve - all I can say is don't give up.  I did.  If it weren't for Activerain and Google, I may have never seen my brother again.  Don't give up my friend, all things are possible if you have faith, persistence, and just believe!!  :-)

2:23pm • #237
362,046 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp

I guess I'll continue to have faith that my OB will be able to have a header uploaded, etc. ;-)

2:26pm • #238
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Susie - send your graphic/header to me at Brad@activerain.com and I will personally upload it for you. Remember it must be 960x134.  Your sidebar image must be 189 wide.  Anything else won't work. As soon as I get them, I'll upload them for you ok?  Thanks for having faith.

2:33pm • #239
MAY
16
2009
130,099 Points

I joined AR after the original post so I came across this off another blog reference.  What a moving story.  Thanks for sharing the excitement with us.

7:47pm • #240
681,615 Points 316 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Margaret - Thanks.  The experiences and rewards here are different for each and every member.  This of course was one of the most amazing stories of my life and it just happened to be because I was found on ActiveRain. 

Looking forward to your stories and successes experienced here as well. :-)

10:18pm • #241

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Brad Andersohn

ActiveBrad

Fairfield, CA

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Zillow - Natl Outreach Mgr & Dir of Zillow Academy

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