The Barlow Family

Hello! It's nice to meet you. My name is Maureen Veronica Barlow (June 23, 1973). We just moved here when my sister, Marina, discovered that the baby she gave up for adoption eighteen years ago lives here. When my sister Corinne told us she and her family had moved here as well, that really sold the deal for me. I had to realize that my old dance studio was pretty much dead. A new town gives me a new opportunity to teach dance and share what I love with people who have the same interests. I'm incredibly grateful for Marina's presence in my life as she helps keep a roof over my head and that of my babies when the studio doesn't bring in enough.

I have two children, twins Sebastian and Samantha. I've never been married but fifteen years ago, I realized that I might never have kids if I didn't have them then, so I began looking into IVF. I poured all my savings into it and I ended up with my precious babies.


Sebastian Thomas Barlow (February 3, 2005) tends towards the quieter side, a major artistic streak running through his veins just like me and so many others in our family. Seb struggles in school when it comes to the other kids. On more than one occasion, I've had to listen to him cry about how mean the kids at school are to him, calling him horrible names because he likes art and theatre. It breaks my heart to see the poor boy cry like that.


Samantha Julianne Barlow (February 3, 2005) insists we call her Sam. She's stopped telling anyone anything. She and Seb used to be your stereotypical twins who would do everything together. But middle school hit them both pretty hard, Sam taking a lot more than she'll own up to. I see how she struggles alone. I wish she'd say something, but Marina insists I let her tell us in her own time.


Marina Elouise Barlow (March 8, 1983) came into my family when my parents decided to adopt the little girl living on the streets. She went from a homeless street rat to one of the most successful people I know, but not before heartbreak and life experience. Eighteen years ago, she got pregnant out of the blue, insisting that she'd been using protection and birth control. Looking at her situation, she knew she couldn't keep the baby so she planned to abort. Our neighbors at the time were the sweetest people and when Marina mentioned her potential abortion, they insisted they would adopt the baby and pay for all of Marina's medical expenses during the pregnancy. She never regretted giving up her baby. It allowed her time to build the life she wanted and made another family happy. Since then, she has become a successful pilot for a major airline.


Fallon Brianna Bristow (January 23, 2001) was adopted as a baby by the Bristows. Popular and sassy, she excels at whatever she sets her mind to. Never has there been a bigger extrovert. Since moving to BG a few years ago, Fallon has moved in with her boyfriend when the rest of her family moved away. Marina reached out to her and Fallon said she would love to get to know her and things progressed from there. In her free time, Fallon loves to come over to spend time with Seb and Sam, especially when she feels homesick.


Also moving with us is our youngest sister, Theresa Flannery Barlow (December 19, 2000). She moved in with us when our parents both passed away, having been the surprise miracle baby of the family. She hated the idea of moving in the middle of her senior year of high school, but accepted it because she really had nowhere else to go. I keep telling her that this will be her year, but she has a lot of insecurities. I don’t think she believes me. Hoping that can change.