Family

Good morning, everyone.  The sky is an ominous gray today and some snow is on its way, but nothing could dampen my mood today.  First of all, I'd like to share that my hubby has a job interview tomorrow, a glimmer of hope.  Then, on top of that, last night I received the most wonderful email.  As most of you know, I am very much into genealogy and a member of Ancestry.  I have always kept a public family tree on the Ancestry site in the hopes of hearing from family members, and I have heard from several in the past few years, but last night's was extra special for not only did I hear from a relative, but  have also been invited to a reunion of the descendants of the Whitehead family.  I am super thrilled.  Richard Whitehead was my 4th great grandfather....and now, here I am, about to meet family that I never knew existed.  I don't feel so alone anymore.  I am a part of....

Oh, it's not that I don't have family; I have my hubby, my sons, but what I am talking about is my family of origin.   I was an only child and grew up in a very small  family...mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, 2 aunts, 2 uncles, and 2 cousins.  That was on my mom's side, and sadly,  that was the only family I ever got to know.  My dad's family were drinkers, and mom made sure she kept me away from them.  I remember one night when I was sick and mom was out.  Dad was taking care of me, and this woman came to visit.  She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, dark Irish.  She sat beside my bed and chatted with me for awhile, and I felt so comforted by the cheerful lilt in her voice, but then mom came home...and blew a gasket.  She asked the woman to leave  and then lit into my dad for allowing her into the home.  "You know how I feel about your family." she screamed.  I never did find out who that woman was and never saw her again.  

I understand now that she was only trying to protect me...or thought that she was protecting me...but there was an entire side of my heritage that was missing from my life, an emptiness.  I never really knew who I was because I never really knew who I came from.    Why, I didn't even know my grandmother's name; that is, until I started working on my family tree, and since that time, I've found thousands of relatives...and have corresponded with several, but this...this is truly like a miracle....to be a part of a family reunion.  I just don't even know what to say.  I am just so thrilled.  By the way, since I have Ancestry I wanted to offer my services.  If any of you would like me to look someone up for you, please feel free to ask in the comments or email me privately.  I will see if I find anything and some things, like the census, Ancestry will let me send a copy to you.  So, feel free to ask.  If you do email privately, please put it in the subject line as I don't open strange emails.

So, today is Groundhog Day, and I understand that Phil saw his shadow...so we are looking for 6 more weeks of winter.  But then I  see that our little guy, Chuck, predicts an early spring...so which one  do you believe?    Last year, Staten Island Chuck actually bit the Mayor's finger as he was trying to coax the little critter out.  Too funny!!!

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.