Sisterly reunion decades in the making highlights a memorable Thanksgiving for NC woman

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family, even if it's the first time in more than 50 years.

Two sisters came together this year, and not even time, and an ocean, could keep them apart.

Reunions happen all the time at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Family and friends waiting for loved ones.

But for Lisa Strang, she's been waiting for this moment what seems like her whole life.

Strang lives in Chocowinity and grew up in the northeast.

But she was born in England.

"I was adopted and brought to the United States," Strang said.

And somewhere out there, she knew she had a sister.

"It's been a hard task," Strang said. "I've been looking for her for 45 years. And since we were both adopted, those records were sealed in England."

So, she waited.

Until one day, two years ago, a stranger in England took a DNA test.

"If it hadn't of been for my son going on Ancestry DNA to find out more about his own grandparents, then this wouldn't have happened," Strang said.

Enter Amanda Brooks. Brooks was also adopted, by a family in England.

And once she knew she had a sister, they tried to find a time to meet.

"But then the pandemic hit, and London shut down. We were pretty much shut down," Brooks said.

Shut down, until this Thanksgiving.

When all that waiting, finally paid off.

From England, to RDU.

"I haven't felt like that since my wedding day," said Brooks.

A first Thanksgiving, a first reunion, worth the wait.

"You just don't know how to react," Strang said. "I never thought this day would come."