RE-DISCOVERED COUSINS!

24 Apr

April was an amazing month of rediscovery. My mother was an only child, so I had no first cousins on her side. My mother had nine first cousins. As a child I remember a couple of reunions with my mother Katie’s cousins. When I left home in 1967 I lost touch with that side of the family. After “Elsie” was published I sent a copy to Dorothy, Elsie’s first great-niece mentioned in the book. I had a lovely letter from her thanking me for the book. I also had a lovely letter from Elsie’s youngest nephew Cameron Burley. Yet, I remained out of contact with most of the other relations. I was thrilled when a Pinterest post of the book “Elsie” was noticed by one of my long-lost relations. She contacted me and thus began a lovely time of reconnecting. It was fitting that the first gathering of lost cousins should take place on Palomar Mountain. We shared old family photos, family history and the connection between Elsie and her sisters Hylinda and Alice.

Alice's granddaughters Marilyn and Chris  enjoying old family photos with Barb.

Alice’s granddaughters Marilyn and Chris enjoying old family photos with me.


We stood beneath the apple trees our great-grandfather had planted in 1906.

Like the glorious new blossoms on the trees we had a friendship blooming there on Palomar.

Apple blossom's from 1906 tree.

Apple blossom’s from 1906 tree.


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There are no words to describe the thrill of knowing Elsie and her sisters had loved and played where we took our photos 110 years later.

Chris, Evelyn, Rosie, Edie, Ray & me beneath a tree that our great grandfather Alonzo planted.

Chris, Evelyn, Rosie, Edie, Ray & Barb beneath tree that our great grandfather Alonzo planted 1906.


Ray, Edie’s handsome young son, represented the fifth generation of a Hayes relations to stand there.
When my grandchildren and my brother Dan’s grandchildren gather apples there they represent Alonzo Hayes’ 6th generation gathering apples from his trees.
Mateo, Talia & Sarina Waite- 6th Generation under Alonzo's apple trees in fall, 2012

Mateo, Talia & Sarina Waite – 6th Generation under Alonzo’s apple trees in fall, 2012.

Perhaps my mother’s favorite cousin was Samuel Urshan. I remember Uncle Sam as a handsome and charming man. Sam had been a captain in the US Army Air Force during World War II. He flew 29 bombing missions over Japan. In 1952 he flew 45 missions over Korea. His self-portrait hung in my sons’ bedroom for many years. I knew Ray might enjoy this painting created by his great uncle Sam in 1947.

Sam Urshan- self portrait painted 1947.

Sam Urshan- self portrait painted 1947.

I was delighted to give Ray this reminder of family history.
As far as I know, Sam never had an experience like he painted here.

As far as I know, Sam never had an experience like he painted here.

I think of how pleased Elsie would be that the family reconnected on her beloved mountain. The continued story of the Elsie’s years on Palomar is coming together. I hope to publish it by December. I am grateful that Elsie’s story of her Arizona years continues to sell. Montezuma Castle National Monument just ordered an additional 20 copies as I write this. That brings the orders from National Parks to 570 copies. Thanks to all those who have added 277 Amazon reviews. I never dreamed publishing Elsie’s story would reconnect me with cousins. What a glorious gift Elsie has given me.
Cousins, granddaughters for  Elsie and her sisters on inspiration point where Sunday Vespers took place 110 years ago.

Cousins, granddaughters for Elsie and her sisters on inspiration point where Sunday Vespers took place 110 years ago.

10 Responses to “RE-DISCOVERED COUSINS!”

  1. Rita Covalt April 24, 2014 at 3:11 pm #

    Oh, the joys of reconnecting with family! Thanks for sharing this lovely account with photos of your reunion on Palomar Mountain.

    • Barb Waite April 24, 2014 at 5:38 pm #

      Truly an unexpected joy and blessing!

  2. Kay Story April 24, 2014 at 3:19 pm #

    I love every post and especially this one about reconnecting with relatives. I have
    Recently connected with distant relatives thru ancestry !

    • Barb Waite April 24, 2014 at 5:39 pm #

      Thanks Kay- Glad to know someone is reading them.

  3. Carole Binder April 24, 2014 at 4:49 pm #

    This continued saga just keeps getting better and better! How fun to be able to reestablish family acquaintances, and form lasting friendships as well! So happy this has allowed you to touch bases with people you may never have gotten to know otherwise! You know I’m looking forward to the next edition!

    • Barb Waite April 24, 2014 at 5:41 pm #

      Thanks Carole- lots of work still ahead of me!

  4. ritaroberts April 25, 2014 at 1:39 am #

    Hi Barbara, What a beautiful post and how pleased I am you have reconnected with more of your family and how happy you all look. I look forward to the publication of your next book, and Barbara, thank you so much for including us in your wonderful family history.

    • Barb Waite April 25, 2014 at 7:35 am #

      Thanks Rita. When you love history and start “digging” you uncover so many buried treasures, as I’m sure you know. Standing beneath those blooming apple trees with cousins all connected by the one who planted was just awesome.

  5. Jewel Young April 25, 2014 at 4:41 am #

    That had to be an exciting time for you! It is amazing to see how easily you have “connected” with your cousins; just think! This would never have happened most likely, had you not taken the time and effort to write your wonderful book!

    • Barb Waite April 25, 2014 at 7:35 am #

      The dividends just keep coming. Lots of work produces lots of rewards.

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