After 17 years and three kids together, they discover they’re actually cousins

What would you do if your world was turned upside down by a DNA test? For one Colorado couple, this shocking twist became their reality. After 17 years of marriage and raising three children, Celina and Joseph Quinones uncovered an unimaginable truth: they are biological cousins.

The Shocking Discovery

The revelation came in 2016, when Celina, intrigued by her ancestry, decided to take a DNA test. What started as a fun journey into her heritage quickly turned into a jaw-dropping discovery. The results confirmed that Joseph, her devoted husband and father of their children, was actually her cousin. “It was completely unexpected,” Celina admitted. “I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.”

Processing the News

For the Quinones, learning they were related was an emotional rollercoaster. “At first, it was devastating,” Celina shared. The news challenged their sense of identity and their understanding of their relationship. However, rather than letting the revelation tear them apart, they chose to face it together. “We talked, cried, and ultimately decided that this new information didn’t change how much we loved each other or the family we’d built.”

With time and a lot of soul-searching, the couple embraced their situation. They even found humor in the absurdity of it all. “Who else gets to say their husband is their cousin and still laugh about it?” Celina joked.

Love Overcomes Stigma

When Celina and Joseph decided to share their story online, they were met with a wave of public reactions. While some people offered support, others criticized them harshly, with suggestions that they separate. Celina responded to the negativity with humor and resolve: “I’m not going to let a little shared DNA ruin this incredible life we’ve built. Besides, all our kids are perfectly healthy—ten fingers, ten toes—and they’re wonderful.”

Her witty responses became a hallmark of her approach to the situation. “It’s not every day you find out you’re married to your cousin, but life’s too short to let that stop us.”

Turning a Personal Story into a Public Discussion

The Quinones’ journey didn’t stop at accepting their unique bond. Celina decided to channel their experience into something positive by writing a book about their story. Her goal? To challenge societal norms, encourage understanding, and advocate for love in all its forms. “Our story may not be traditional, but it’s ours,” Celina explained. “We’ve chosen to embrace it with love, humor, and resilience.”

A Testament to the Power of Love

Today, Celina and Joseph continue to live happily with their three children, proving that love can overcome even the most unexpected challenges. Their story is a reminder that relationships are built on more than just genetics—they’re about shared experiences, commitment, and a deep emotional bond. In the end, it’s not DNA that defines a family, but love.