Someone said they had spoken to Andre and the 3 brothers being split up was a 'classic case' of parents divorcing and moving states. In which case either Maurice stayed with Andre and he would have never had to search for him, or Maurice stayed with Arthur and when Andre found Maurice he would have been able to find Arthur too.
It's a scam. Well done to all those who donated money though, really well done.
*slow hand clap*
First of all, thanks to G.E. for this selfless act. I spoke with Butch and he is very much touched by this random act of sincere kindness.
Because of this post I was able to find and speak to my brother whom I have not seen in more than 40 years. I only responded to the post to see if indeed this was my brother and it turned out to be true. It is him and we are now talking on the phone and, although it is still early, we will soon make plans for some sort of reunion.
I am very moved by those of you who have called me at home or sent me messages of support. Your kind words and thoughts are appreciated and I will never forget how this whole thing came about.
As for the many people who accuse me of some sort of scam, lets just say that this is my only regret. It hurts when people accuse me of lying. I have never, nor will I ever accept anything from anyone. No one has given me or my brother money. No book deal is being made and I have rejected all interviews with the media and press etc. For others to take G.E's nice gesture and turn it into something bad makes me wish I had found a different way to locate Butch outside of this forum. It seems that some prefer to try to overshadow the initial purpose of this whole thread.
I realize that there are haters everywhere in this world. But to take something so nice as an act of charity on G.E.'s part and imply that there is a scam involved is wrong. I would be happy to answer any questions others may have about the circumstances of me and my brothers' separation but I think this is neither the forum nor the way to do this. Simply call me on my phone and ask me directly. For the last time, this is not a scam. I want nothing. Nothing except to have the peace of mind I receive to know that my older brother is alive and well and the hope to someday see him again. As for my younger brother, please know that he is not even involved in all of this. He too would like to see Butch again and he knows I have finally found him. That's all he knows so far. When my younger brother first read this thread he didn't want to complicate the issue by posting his thoughts and ideas in this forum. His apprehension was well-founded in that I am sure that the accusations of fraud and scam would have hurt him deeply.
We were separated in the late sixties. Butch to our biological mother, my younger brother to our stepmother, and me to my father. Since that day we have never stood together in the same room. I was reunited with my younger brother when he turned 18 and come to California. But we have not seen Butch ever sonce that day in 1969 when we were separated. That is the truth.
This is probably my last post in this forum. I cannot handle the accusations and hurtful statements from those who think I am trying to gain from this. Sorry that some of you think the worst in people. Can you imagine if that cynicism existed in the heart of G.E.?
Therefore, I apologize to those of you who requested updates asbout the reunion. I think I am not comfortable continuing to subject myself to ongoing suspiscion and cirticism. there was never a scam. This happenstance was absolutely as pure ans selflessly motivated as G.E. had intended. Shame on those of you who have taken away from that!
And it is too bad because I had thought that some would be interested in hearing about the impending reunion and I was looking forward to sharing my thoughts, feelings, and even some photos if possible. But at this point I think it is better that we just use this forum to thank G.E. for all that he has done. I am deeply indebted to him for his random act of kindness has certainly affected me quite profoundly... in many, many ways. Thanks G.E.
Finally, I want to apologize to G.E. I fear your message is starting to get lost in all of the hype of this reunion. What you did for my brother was a tremendously courageous and truly a noble gesture. Your selfless act will forever be appreciated by my brothers, me and the rest of society that sees that one individual can touch the lives of many with an act of charity. You have inspired all of us with this simple yet heartfelt act. And I know that you have sent a strong message to the world by doing something so simple yet so profound. We should all take note of your act and learn by the example you have set. You G.E. are a person of character. I respect you for what you have done. I thank you for what you have done. And I will never forget you for what you have done. You have both touched and changed the lives of not just three brothers, but also of the many who have heard and read of your efforts.
May God Bless You and Your Life!
Sincerely,
Andre
BASS!
