'New chapter': Two brothers meet for the first time

Brothers Shawn and Robert meet for the first time in Mississauga on Dec. 6.

Robert and Shawn Yateman grew up living just 45 kilometres from each other but until recently, they didn’t know of each other’s existence -- or that they are brothers.

At just six days old, Robert, who was named Charles at birth, was adopted by a family who lived in Sault Ste. Marie.

Shawn and Robert’s biological mother never told Shawn that when he was three years old, she had a baby who she gave up for adoption.

In 2012, their mother died suddenly.

But recently, Robert, who didn’t want to give his last name, learned that closed adoption records were now available in light of recent changes in legislation.

Robert obtained his birth records and learned his mother’s name, place of birth -- and that he had a brother.

Just a few days ago, Shawn received a message on Facebook from a friend saying that his younger brother, who he didn’t know existed, was looking for him.

“It floored me, I never knew,” Shawn said.

On Sunday, the brother met in a quick but emotional reunion in Mississauga.

After meeting Robert, Shawn said that “a new bond is just beginning.”

Robert’s friend, Paul Grimard, helped tracked down Shawn by contacting people who lived in his town. In an attempt to “preserve a moment,” Grimard suggested the brothers meet face-to-face.

Shawn says that this is “a new chapter in his life.”