There are a number of issues I have to talk about and questions to answer.
First of all Why did I change the names? All the names marked with an asterisk have been changed. This makes it difficult to acknowledge the contribution made by *Ted’s son *Hugh in editing his father’s war diaries. Not only did he decipher the handwriting and present it in an easily readable format but he added a Recollections section at the end which retold many stories about his life. The war diary is now available online from the Australian War Memorial, Canberra but of course you won’t find it under Edward Turner.
I haven’t communicated with Hugh even though he is my half brother and I would love to talk to him about his (our) father. I discussed the matter of publication of my story on A to Z with Denise and Jane and although they didn’t mind being named they felt it would not be in the best interest of the older members of the family.
So that is why the surname and the names of those in the family who are still living have been altered. The clues to my origin are all there however and like a “Choose Your Own Adventure” book the events can play out in different ways. The ending will be the same and as far as I am concerned that is good because I am here. Something unexplainable happened 67 years ago which brought me into the world. I had a happy childhood with loving parents. I now have a husband, children and grand children and life is good.
Why am I sharing this story? I want my children and grandchildren to know about their ancestry. The last two A to Z Challenges forced me to dig deeper and further than I would have otherwise so I decided that was the path to take again. I don’t judge my parents or Ted for what happened. Rather I am glad it did because otherwise I wouldn’t be here.
What next? I am in fairly constant communication with Denise and Jane. There are cousins, nephews and nieces who have invited me to visit when I am next in their area. Next month there will be a reunion of sorts in Melbourne to which I have been invited. Air tickets and accommodation are booked and I’m ready to meet a new half sister. I doubt I will ever find out any more about my origins but meeting more of my relatives will add to my stock of stories and maybe answer a few questions.
The A to Z is far from over. Tomorrow there will be a belated Anzac Day episode (two days late) describing in more detail Ted’s experiences at Gallipoli and beyond. Anzac Day certainly had more meaning for me this year after reading Ted’s diary.
That just about Wraps it up.
* Not their real names
The Curry Apple Orchard 
Ted’s story has so many universal elements to it, it has been a delight to follow along. He was a man of his time and made a success of his circumstances.
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I hope you enjoy meeting your new half sister and that you find a great connection with her.
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Sadly she won’t know who I really am. The get together is so she can meet with her other sister whom I met in Mildura. They haven’t seen each other for several years.
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Oh no. I’m sorry for that. I wish you a happy trip in spite of that.
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At least the younger ones ( around my age Ha Ha) will know who I am.
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A lovely thing to leave all this information for future generations to read about.
https://iainkellywriting.com/2018/04/26/w-is-for-warsaw-poland/
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Now to put in the correct names and print out for the family. At least it is done.
Thanks for following.
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Hari OM
I tend to use ‘monikers’ when talking about living rels and pals… a courtesy of privacy never goes wrong. I am grateful to have been able to have shared a little of Ted’s life through your eyes… not sure I’ve mentioned till now that WW1 has always held special resonance for me in terms of studying history, so I look forward to these closing days. YAM xx
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I admire you taking the time to leave so much information about your FOR your family. I wish that somebody had of had the time and desire to do that in my family. Sad how so much can just be lost. Thank you for sharing.
https://writingiscommunication.wordpress.com/2018/04/26/wickyorn-the-space-between-bookstore-presented-by-a-to-z-100-word-stories/
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It helps when you enjoy doing it.
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I have enjoyed following along and getting to know Ted. He was a very interesting person. And, as you said, it all worked out for you to be born.
http://findingeliza.com/
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No complaints there!
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The reunion sounds like a wonderful time to meet more of your newly discovered extended family. Weekends In Maine
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There is some apprehension!
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I can understand being somewhat apprehensive. You’ve learned a lot of new information recently which is a lot to process. I hope you have a wonderful time.
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