It did not work. But I tried. An anti-climax now. But it is OK.

I called all three numbers - home, office, and cell.

I left messages speaking in a confident, upbeat voice and was glad that my voice did not tremble or show other signs of anxiety.

I repeated my phone number twice.

In about three minutes, I see her number as an incoming call on my cell.

In my mind, I was already picturing reunification and a trip to NY to meet her family.

She said that she had received a call from my number and asked who I was.

I explained.

She said the connection was bad and she could not hear me.

I explained again.

I have a common first name and she asked "which one?" when I said my name. I said "your cousin".

In a very cold, distant, official voice she said that she was really touched and thankful. But her voice did not light up AT ALL. And she said nothing else. There was no way to continue the conversation. The did not ask anything.

So I had to say "now you have my number and can call me", leaving the door open, and that is it. Nothing else was said.