Yesterday afternoon I stood on the land of one of my ancestors with a previously unknown cousin that serendipity brought into my life. Finally I knew the location of the land they toiled over, and got the long awaited clue I have needed for 30 years about a family farm cemetery. Later we stood in one of the family cemeteries overlooking hills of ancestral land with the sun shining and I was amazed and awed by the strength of those that came before- as always. One of the great highs that come in this pursuit/passion of mine.
Within 48 hours of that time, my family is preparing for a weekend out of town family funeral for a relative who died suddenly when she was out for a walk. Charlene is on my maternal side of the family, and although I had not had the opportunity to get to meet her in years, I was looking forward to the next time she was going to be in the area in order to learn about this woman that played a role in my family. Unfortunately, an accident took here away from those that love her prematurely. This weekend will bring tears, memories, and the chance to reunite with family members from around the country- some for what could be the final time. There is always the part of me that wants to run around with family group sheets in hand and my tape recorder in everyone's face so that I don't miss any important information, yet respect the pain that each person carries at the time of these events.
Then I awake to yet another set of sad news, this one digging deeper and hurting more.
Yesterday I lost my dear Aunt Faye.
Alma Faye Tucker and her husband, my uncle |
Later she moved to California with her husband and son. Her sister, Leona and family also moved to California and they lived closely to each other throughout their lives.
Aunt Faye was a character, a scrapper. She had a wicked sense of humor, loved to go out and have a good time, and was as sentimental as they came. I never had a conversation with her that didn't involve tears at some time.
Aunt Faye was one of the best dancers in the city, winning some contests, and taught my father how to dance. She also stepped in a couple times when he was in a fight as a boy and finished the fight for him (Faye is several years older). Aunt Faye was also strong-willed and determined, not afraid to stand up for herself when she was younger, and a bit rebellious.
I had learned something new about the family just yesterday (Irish news no less) and had planned to call Aunt Faye today to ask her about the information and to share a little gossip. Unfortunately, I will never get the chance. My angel is gone, but I have treasured every moment of getting to know her and to learn from her experiences.
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Let this be a reminder to us all. My family is dealing with two losses this week. Don't say , "I'll call tomorrow...." when it comes to anything that you can possibly take just a second to call today about. We all have regrets about the missed opportunities when it comes to our genealogy, so let's not compound it any more. shall we?
4 comments:
I am so sorry to hear about your aunt. Condolences.
Kim - I am so sorry for your losses. Your last paragraph is so right on. Don't put off 'til tomorrow to connect with those you love. Tomorrow might be too late. Today is what matters.
I am very sorry for your losses. Stay safe and take care of each other, including yourself.
Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts.
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