HAGERSTOWN, MD- It's a gift no amount of wrapping paper can cover and it won't fit under the Christmas tree.
After 50 years Jane Smith, a Philippine native, discovered a family secret that changed her life for ever.
"My first thought when I found out was somewhat hurt," says Jane Smith, who reunited with her family. "I was living a lie."
All her life she thought she was an only child until her daughter discovered through the internet her mother was actually one of seven children.
"My uncle who was my fathers twin didn't have any kids and so he would share like I would go home with him on the weekends and stuff," says Smith.
Even at four years old, Jane was already a good singer. So her aunt and uncle brought her to America, hoping to boost her career. She never came home to the Philippines.
Days turned into months and months rolled into years, but her family never gave up hope.
"I know that even on their death bed they were still looking for me, they were telling my siblings not to give up," says Smith.
When she suddenly contacted them, they were overjoyed and a couple of months ago they all got an early Christmas gift and a long overdue reunion.
"It was like I was never a stranger," says Smith.
Although Jane wishes she grew up with her family, she believes everything happens for a reason and she doesn't hold a grudge toward her aunt and uncle.
"I cant hate my aunt because she's the one who led me to God and the life that I have now I wouldn't want to change it," says Smith.
The entire family will get together for a family reunion in the Philippines in July.
After 50 years Jane Smith, a Philippine native, discovered a family secret that changed her life for ever.
"My first thought when I found out was somewhat hurt," says Jane Smith, who reunited with her family. "I was living a lie."
All her life she thought she was an only child until her daughter discovered through the internet her mother was actually one of seven children.
"My uncle who was my fathers twin didn't have any kids and so he would share like I would go home with him on the weekends and stuff," says Smith.
Even at four years old, Jane was already a good singer. So her aunt and uncle brought her to America, hoping to boost her career. She never came home to the Philippines.
Days turned into months and months rolled into years, but her family never gave up hope.
"I know that even on their death bed they were still looking for me, they were telling my siblings not to give up," says Smith.
When she suddenly contacted them, they were overjoyed and a couple of months ago they all got an early Christmas gift and a long overdue reunion.
"It was like I was never a stranger," says Smith.
Although Jane wishes she grew up with her family, she believes everything happens for a reason and she doesn't hold a grudge toward her aunt and uncle.
"I cant hate my aunt because she's the one who led me to God and the life that I have now I wouldn't want to change it," says Smith.
The entire family will get together for a family reunion in the Philippines in July.
