I have been reading a post in three parts by Farrago, who tells of taking his father back to Italy to visit relatives and friends he had not seen since WW2. It is a wonderful story for anyone who loves family and relishes the connections of friendship that outlive the tests of time. I recommend that you go and read all three parts. It starts on march 19th, and continues on the 20th and 21st.
It reminds me of a story I may have written about before, but I can't locate the post. Mr. kenju has been doing research into his family geneaology for many years. At one point, a search led him to learn of a family with our surname who were living in NC only about 2 hours away. He questioned whether he ought to contact them and ask about their family history - and he waffled back and forth for almost 2 years before he finally got the courage to call them. As it turned out, the man was his cousin from a branch of the family tree that had "broken off" due to an argument between brothers (Mr. kenju's grandfather and the other man's brother.) Shortly thereafter, mr. kenju travelled to their home to meet and talk and found not only a cousin, but a man with whom he knew he could forge a deep friendship. Unfortunately, after only 2 visits, the other man was diagnosed with cancer and he succumbed quickly. That was four years ago. We attended the funeral and I met his wife and son, as well as other members of the family - all of us marvelling at the fate that brought us together so long after the brothers quarreled and split forever.
Fast forward to Friday, when we saw the wife and son (and his fiancee) again for the first time in four years. We picked up just where we left off four years ago, as if there had been little passage of time since we saw them last. I am sorry that it was so long between the first meeting and this one, and we hope to keep that from happening again.
Now for a really heartwarming story, go and read Farrago's tales of travelling to Italy with his aging father, to meet family and old friends.
14 comments:
I will go check out Farrgo's story. I loved hearing this one of your husband finding his cousin. Its too bad that they didn't meet earlier, but wonderful that they did indeed meet and that you still have contact with his wife and son. Great story.
That is a lovrly heart warming story Judy....How wonderful that Mr. Kenju dud get to meet this relative---Better late than never! And that you all are still in contact with his widow and son...!
I am going to go read those posts that you mentioned, right now.
A Very Very Happy Easter To You, My dear.
Thank you, Judy, both for the Farrago story and your own. Geneaology fascinates me. I made some weak attempts at it after my husband's death, and more recently my youngest had dug into it. We're coming up with some really interesting things.
Just dropping by to wishing you and yours a Happy Easter!
Thanks for the link, I will check it out soon!
Thanks for your visiting and nice comment on my current post!
This is a great and wonderful discovery Mr. Kenju made. Me? Well, I wouldn't have waited those two years. I'd be on the phone right now. Absolutely nothing to lose--and everything to gain, as you so eloquently pointed out.
Wishing you many opportunities to visit and grow your new-found "blood" friendship.
I have often wondered about my family's history, but am ashamed to say I have never done anything about it! But after reading this... I just may be motived enough to do something about it. ~ jb///
How wonderful to read a story like that (Mr. Kenju's) I shall go read the other.
A blessed Easter to you and your family.
These family reuniting stories always get to me! Choke me up.
Your story is heartwarming enough for me.
What a great story!
What an amazing experience, Judy. I believe that things like this - connections, reconnections - happen for a reason. And it's a blessing that you reconnected with this branch of the family.
Looks like I have some reading to do.
Boy, it's a good thing Mr. Kenju made the decision to contact him
Our family tree is so full of branches that have broken off from arguments or what not, and it's just plain sad.
And now your children have a whole new relative they never would have heard of in the first place!
What an excellent story this is, although bittersweet, too. I just read it outloud to Rick.
Thanks for sharing, Judy!
A nice story about reconnecting families years later
I just love these kinds of stories, Judy. Thanks for sharing. Sorry the cousin died so quickly, but that you have kept the connection.
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