DNA test unites half-sisters for first time after more than three decades

CROSBY, Texas — Internet DNA registry sites continue to unlock family secrets and unite long-lost family members.

Friday, a Georgia woman met her half-sister for the first after more than three decades apart -- a sibling she did not know about until she saw the results of a DNA test nearly two months ago, KTRK reported.

"Y'all ... 40 years later, I just met my biological sister for the first time," Mary Catherine Nyahay wrote on Facebook "My life is complete."

Nyahay met her younger half-sister, Rebecca Macintyre, of Crosby, at a hotel in Galveston, KTRK reported.

"Before I pulled up I was shaking pulling into the parking lot of the hotel," Nyahay told the television station. "I don't know if I remember the first five seconds of meeting her, but I ran to her and gave her a huge hug."

The sisters shared the same mother, and Nyahay said she was put up for adoption as a young child, KTRK reported.  Macintyre said her mother never spoke of another child.

"It was a shock and surprise," Macintyre told the television station. "I've went through so many emotions the past month and a half."

Nyahay began searching for her biological family four and a half years ago. She completed a 23 and Me proflle to understand her health history. Less than two months ago, Macintyre completed a DNA profile and was surprised to learn she shared DNA with Nyahay

"I have to learn how to be a sister because I've never done it before," Nyahay told KTRK.

The sisters got matching tattoos to mark their first meeting, the television station reported. Macintyre plans to visit Nyaday in Georgia.

It was an emotional, but happy meeting.

"What do I like about my sister? Oh my God, everything," Macintyre told KTRK. "I like everything about her."

Cox Media Group