Once I found out the names of 3 of my cousins, I could now start looking for them on Facebook. I also had the name of my cousin's daughter-in-law. I found she had a Facebook account. I carefully wrote a letter to Francine, and sent it through FB. I didn't want to 'friend' her, that seemed creepy. I gave her plenty of information so she would know I was legit. But it took almost 6 months for her to respond. She was rarely on FB and somehow missed the message. It was the day before Easter, and I was with my daughter-in-law's family, enjoying the Gold Country in the spring.
I logged onto FB and started reading a message - and began saying OMG..... over and over again! And laid my head down and started crying! Only Jennifer understand what was happening. It was wild and I was beside myself. She had to explain why I was flipping out! I wrote back and we exchanged phone numbers and emails. I could barely sleep that night.
A few days later I went to see my kids and grand daughter in the midwest. It was there that I got a call from Francine. Of course I had put her info in my cell phone and was delighted to hear her voice, for the first time. She said she was calling on the spur of the moment because she was with one of her sisters and another cousin, Anthony. And they thought it would be great to call me in California! I got to talk with all of them and they were just as excited as me to meet. But that morning Anthony had the craziest thing happen - God works miracles! He woke up that morning and said to his wife, I wonder where in California my cousin, Aleta, is. He woke up thinking about me, though he had never met me. His uncle, my father, had told him a little about me, millions of years ago. And he had seen a photo or two at our grand parent's house. That day he went to see Francine and one of the other sisters. I think it was Theresa. And Theresa said, guess what, we found our cousin, Aleta?! Of course he tells her he had just talked about me!! So weird - and wild and wonderful!!! We are corresponding some in email, and Francine and I have talked on the phone.
In October I am planning to go to the Atlantic coast to visit all of them. One more bit of information that is wonderful and sweet. It's out of context but that's not important. Remember when Keith was googling and found the obituary of my uncle? He went home that night and told Jo what information he had found. Being the ancestry detective she is, she got back onto the computer and found out my cousin Francine was a poet and had written a book. First Jo found a story Francine had written about her husband who had died a hero on 9-11. He was assigned to be in charge of emergency evacuation that week for his company. The company was in one of the twin towers. It was beautifully written and of course very sad. Jo emailed me this story. The next week I went in to volunteer for that afternoon, and Keith handed me a gift from Jo. I didn't understand, it wasn't my birthday and I was incredulous opening this little package. It was a small book - the book of poetry Francine wrote. I cried and could not believe it! Here is more real proof my cousin is out there. I read the book that week and it was beautiful. Sad at times and very sweet, they loved each other very much.
This is more confirmation why I always say I am very blessed!! I will write a post after I visit my cousins in October. I look forward to hearing about our grand parents.
Thank you, good night and God Bless! Aleta
"Alleged 'impossibilities' are opportunities for our capacities to be stretched." Charles Swindoll - author and preacher
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