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Published Tuesday October 6th, 2009 at 4:57pm

Original Article by Jen Marnowski and Heidi McGuire


Biological brother and sister John Mark Eden and Misty De Le Rosa reunite after 44 years.
Denver, Colorado - John Eden grew up knowing he'd been adopted, and wondered about his biological parents for years.

But, before this year, it was expensive for adoptees from Coloradoto find their birth parents. In June, a court unsealed 16 years ofadoption records.

John Eden's life was about to change.

"I've always been curious, more so for medical reasons," said Eden of learning more about his birth parents.

JohnMark Eden was born in Grand Junction, January 19th, 1965. At 9 monthsold, he left the hospital with his adoptive parents Hazel and WilliamEden.

"I grew up in a loving family with a great mom and dad and brothers and sisters," said John of his childhood.

Duringthe same time, John's biological sister was living a much differentlife. Misty De Le Rosa was the second oldest of five children, andmemories of her childhood was anything but loving.

"I came from a dysfunctional family, we had a lot of issues going on," said De Le Rosa.

DeLe Rosa was 9 years old when her mom gave birth to John, but she saysshe never knew when her mother was pregnant. She was heavy set and worehouse dresses that concealed her stomach.

"I just remember mydad would take us somewhere and we'd come home and there was a baby inthe house," said De La Rosa. "We didn't talk about it," she added.

Eden says he was placed up for adoption because his birth mother had an affair with another man.

That man, Eden's biological father is still alive, however, his mother died before the records were unsealed.

In July, Eden decided to write a letter to his sister.

Dear Misty,

Thisletter will probably come as a surprise to you and your family and Ihope that you will receive it with my sincerest thanks for taking timeto read it and ponder its contents.

Eden went on to write about his adoption and how he found out who his birth parents were.

De La Rosa received a call from her husband on her 53rd birthday, and he read the letter aloud.

"All of a sudden , I was like I have a brother! I was absolutely thrilled, I couldn't wait to find out more," said De La Rosa.

Overthe past three months the two perfect strangers got to know each otheras siblings; sharing pictures through e-mail, and stories over thephone.

"I know your favorite color is purple," said Eden to De La Rosa in one conversation.

"I know your favorite color is red," De La Rosa said back.

Edenand De La Rosa decided to wait until October to meet. De La Rosa'shusband had a trip planned to Denver and the couple boarded a planeOct. 3rd.

"When I get off that plane I'm going to be a bigmess, all I will do is cry and cry and cry," said De La Rosa full ofexcitement on the eve of their trip.

Biologicalbrother and sister John Mark Eden and Misty De Le Rosa reunite after 44years.


Eden and his wife waitpatiently Saturday afternoon as hundreds enter the great room at DenverInternational Airport. Eden stands with his hands crossed, and his wifeholding the camera phone.

"I thought I saw her," said Eden.

It was someone else.

De La Rosa calls around 12:20 p.m.

"You're there," asked John on the phone.

De La Rosa was close and the anticipation was growing.

Eden stood silent, until he finally said softly, "here she is."

Eden walks over and meets his sister, arms flung wide, they embrace each other and don't let go.

Behind them, strangers cheer. They don't know what just happened, but they could tell it was something very special.

"Wow," De La Rosa stared back at her brother.

Edenand his sister have a lot of catching up to do. De Le Rosa plans onspending a week with Eden and his family, and in two weeks Eden and hiswife will fly to Vegas.