This weekend I had the pleasure of attending a family reunion in Austin. I had a great time, and I got to meet a side of the family that I didn't realize existed. The reunion is named after my great, great, great grandfather, who was born into slavery and had five sons and one daughter. I'm a descendant of his oldest son (which I guess places me in generation #5), and I basically met all of the descendants of his second oldest son. By the time I was born my great grandfather was already dead, so I never met any of his brothers or sisters, or their descendants. Hell, it's hard enough to keep up with all of my grandfathers descendants alone (he had 11 kids, who gave him over 40 grandchildren, who gave him over 30 great grandchildren). As it turns out, the majority of his side of the family (my great, great uncle) resides in Austin, and I didn't even know even though I went to UT. YOU KNOW HOW MANY HOME-COOKED MEALS I MISSED!!! Most importantly, someone on their side has traced our family history all the way back to the 1800's. It was nice to read who came from where and to find out that the slaveholders back then kept the family together (gotta give them some props for that). I feel very fortunate now because I know how hard it is for african-americans in this country to trace their lineage. I also found out that Angela Shelf Medearis, the #1 selling author of children's books in Texas is my cousin (http://www.medearis.com/). My mom even dusted me on the dance floor (those old women can groove...lol). Okay, I know I have babbled enough, but the reunion really put a smile on my face. Anyone else have a good family reunion story?
That's interesting stuff, dude. Thanks for sharing. Family reunions have become pretty rare in my neck of the woods. Sure would be great to revive that tradition, though...
I've been to a few family reunions on my mom's father's side...everyone is Irish...everyone has the same freaking blue eyes. it's unbelievable. looking through old pictures...records of relatives who came over from Ireland during the Civil War here. interesting stuff. alternate ending -- then we all decided to live together. and set up arranged marriages with other families. we go from town to town working as carpenters and builders...but it's really all just a front for the various scams we pull off. damn, i'm proud to be irish! slainte!
