Humbling Realization

I recently realized why this journey is so important to me. It's not about highlighting who did this or who did that. It's not about finding out who was good or bad. This journey is about telling the narrative honestly from all aspects without bias and without judgement. Too much of our narrative has been altered to fit others agendas and in many instances completely removed. Being on this journey is allowing me to see both of my parents in a manner in which they never permitted me to see while alive. Although my parents dealt with various degrees of brokenness, I can say that they tried to do differently so that my foundation could be fortified better than their own. Yes, my parents were ill equipped, but knew they needed to do something different. I applaud and am grateful for their tenacity to try to change the course. I get it and am committed now more than ever to tell the stories of my parents as well as those who have paved they way that came before them. My end goal is to leave a better completed patchwork of my family so that he following generations can be proud of the accomplishments and learn from the setbacks and obstacles faced. This is OUR history. Without these pioneers who braved uncharted waters there would be no April Stitt. Some family members may never want to know the truth and some may want to be selective in what they know. That is perfectly okay, it is their right. However, a family historian's obligation is to be truthful when giving the narrative as well as tell the narrative as complete as humanly possible. Because of this commitment I know is the reason the ancestors have shown me favor since the infancy of this journey. I bow down to my ancestors and humbly honor each and everyone of them as I ask them to continue to guide my footsteps as I move forward in telling their journeys.

Putting the Pieces Together

The tapestry of the family is coming together nicely. The process had been slow, but I am appreciative of the journey. Over this past summer I have met a number of family members who have been also researching the Stitt and Kellum line. The meeting brought me such great joy because I was able to get better acquainted with my great grandparents, Robert Stitt Sr. and Pebaleader Kellum. During this process I was also able to better understand my father, Robert Stitt III. My dad would be happy to know that he was able to break the generational mistakes of his father and grandfather. Therefor, my dad was able to do better by his family.

The Pieces Are Coming Together

The life of Robert Stitt Sr. and Jr. have been a difficult mystery to navigate. Well, until last night that is. For whatever reason I was pulled to my genealogy work late last night. The key to all the great finding last night came from a document I stumbled across on Family Search. This document referred to a document I had pending getting me a little closer to Robert Stitt Sr. These findings led me to speaking to a living cousin living in Winston Salem who is equally excited to connect. Together we may be able to rebuild the life of my great grandfather, Robert Willie Stitt Sr. I know that it was my ancestors guiding the way. Grandpa, I am on my way to finding you!

Pieces Are Slowly Falling Into Place

The Stitt line has kept me up many a nights trying to figure out better research techniques and combing through information to see if I have overlooked anything. I can finally say that the pieces are slowly coming together. I am excited at all the possibilities of getting know more about this line and connecting and building long lasting relationships with family. Grandma Pebaleader, I spoke with one of your great granddaughter and granddaughter this morning. Hopefully we all will be able to meet the first of the upcoming year. Through all of this I can't wait to be able to stitch together my genetic quilt with all of its uniqueness.

What is She Trying to Tell Me?

Have you ever just conducted a random search that yielded some information? This is exactly what I did  about 20 minutes ago. Although the information gave me a piece of the puzzle, it also gave me more questions. On top of that I now must revisit some information that I recently confirmed. I know that my grandma Pebaleader Kellum is trying to tell me something, but I don't quite know what it is. I must turn to my research gurus to ensure that I am looking at all perspectives without any blinders. The one thing I know for sure, is that my grandmother is guiding me to my grandfather, Robert Willie Stitt Sr. At this time, I must be still and wait for my grandmother Pebaleader.

Thankful

As I give thanks to the Most High for all the blessing bestowed on me and my family, I must express my happiness at finding out more about the lives of many of my ancestors. I have gained much more than I anticipated. This journey of discovery began as my way of dealing with my father's death, a way to get to know more about my father which in turn I would learn more about myself. This goal has definitely been achieved. However, in addition I have connected and established a relationship with many family members.  From the moment my Aunt Anna introduced me to cousin Cheryl and her mother, I did not imagine how this journey would have developed. It is such a blessing to be able to have a better understanding of the man my father was, as well as an understanding of who my ancestors were. I came from a pretty patch worked legacy that is intricately woven. This legacy is one I am very proud of and become even more proud the more I learn about my ancestors. With the help of the ancestors I was able to navigate through the grieving process. It is so true how the ancestors reach beyond their final resting place to help guide us.

Pebaleader Kellum Stitt Mystery Solved

To my surprise I received additional information on Grandma Peb that directed me to her death information. Her unique name was intriguing to me from the moment I first heard it. It was that feeling that Grandma's name as well as Grandpa Alpha Omega that influenced my yearning to learn more about my ancestors. Today I was able to find my great grandmother. I am so excited to speak to my cousin who will be able to tell me more about my grandmother in order to get a more well rounded picture of her life so that her story may be passed down authentically. It is amazing how the ancestors have a way of reaching beyond their final resting place to guide us right to them.