More Answers Comes More Questions

Now that the ancestors are being so gracious to allow the door of discovery to open with answers, I have more questions. The one question that is drawing me more to my Grandma Pebaleader is why she would change her name? Why would she want to rid herself of such a unique interesting name that has is supposedly connected to a Native American history. There is definitely much more to you Grandma Peb. You seem to be just as interesting as your unique name.

One Step Closer to Grandma Pebaleader

Today I received communication from my grandmother Pebaleader's great granddaughter. Together we should be able to trace the steps of Pebaleader Kellum. Hopefully my grandmother is looking upon us with pride that we are slowing coming together as a family should. I know my father Junie would have a smile on his face to know that I have made such great progress in my quest of learning about my family and reconnecting with them as well. This is a truly a labor of love that I share this success with many who have helped me put the pieces together. Grandma Peb, your name intrigued me from the moment I heard it. I was determined to get to know you and trace your steps. I am well on my way to doing just that.

Pebaleader Kellum Found

No words can express the joy I feel today. I found my cousin who was able to give me additional information on my great grandmother Pebaleader Kellum. I conducted a google search and found an address for my cousin. I wrote her a letter introducing myself and informing her of my search for family. The letter was mailed last Friday and I received a response 3 days later. She was just as eager to speak to me and share information. The icing on the cake is that she remembered my father. What an icing on the cake. It was as if I was receiving a hug from daddy!

Ancestors Smiling Down

This summer has been full of genealogy gems that has pushed my research forward. On top of all of the new information I have obtained, I had the pleasure to meet other family members and begin to establish a relationship with them. I am sure that Aunt Willie Mae was looking at the family gathering in MD smiling because she was part of the glue that once held the family together. This is only the beginning.

Virtual Family Reunion

It is such a blessing to be able to utilize the Internet to bring the family together. Never did I imagine that from one hint from Ancestry could open the door to getting acquainted with my family. I have heard so many wonderful stories about Aunt Willie Mae Cotton and I think what we are doing would bring a smile on her face. Just thinking about how many family members I have met over a short amount of time brings me chills. Though I still am apprehensive about using the Internet, I am convinced that the Internet can move brick walls within one's genealogy research. Can't wait to spend time with my family in the coming weeks!

A Family Reunion via the Internet

I have known for quite some time that I have some half siblings, but was unsuccessful in locating them. An unexpected unsolicited response referencing my siblings' family was made on a Facebook post I made. To my surprise I was able to confirm that this was their family. I know that it is nothing but God and the ancestors that is orchestrating things, because I got nowhere when I was actively looking for them.

This morning something told me to check my other message folder on Facebook. There I found another message of a young man asking if we were related. I am not sure if there is a family connection, but am hopeful that I will be able to make some headway on the branch of my tree that has been most difficult. These two incidents have knocked down my guard about using social media and the Internet frequently. I am really ready to embrace all that world wide web has to offer in my quest to reconnect, connect, and stay connected to my family. What a beautiful surprise and place the Internet can be.

Connecting The Dots

Taking a step back to review the information I have been able to collect allowed me to be able to look at things from a different perspective. During this time we made another family connection with Aunt Willie Mae Gregory Cotton's great great granddaughter. I am excited to be able meet up and share information while we tighten the family bond. It is so true what they say about allowing the ancestor guide your path.