Connecting the Dots

Back in May, a former neighbor and babysitter of my family growing up, reached out to me via social media but unfortunately I didn't see her message until last week.....UGH. I somehow found messages that were sent to me over the last two years, mostly from people I didn't know, but this one caught my eye. Her last name was different but her first name wasn't common and I knew it was legit. Her niece was looking to get int touch with her Dad's side of the family.

My Dad's brother's daughter (my cousin) was trying to make connections with my family over the last few years but didn't have any luck. She lost her dad at a young age and had been on a quest to learn as much about her father's side as possible. Unfortunately, all his brothers and sisters had passed, my dad being the most recent.

Once I received the original message, I started thinking back. I was in my early 20's when my uncle passed and even though I knew he had a daughter, I only remember seeing her once at a picnic. I'm embarrassed to admit, I had completely forgotten she was my cousin. I don't remember the circumstances of why I didn't know her well, I just remember bits and pieces. How had I forgotten she was the niece of my former babysitter and daughter to my uncle?

When my cousin reached out to me, she was leery and afraid I wouldn't want anything to do with her or her search. She wrote a little about her life, her fiancé and a few bits and pieces I could connect with. She even went as far to explain she wasn't a weirdo, which made me chuckle. All she wanted was to connect to her past and the legacy of her father and his family. She made mention how much my Dad meant to her grandfather's family.

Over the  last few days, I been trying to put memories together to help her connect to her father. I can't wait to hear her story and share mine. I've no idea what's ahead for our relationship but somehow she found her way to me. I'm an open book to all that I remember and plan on connecting her to more cousins and relatives. I'm excited about connecting the dots and getting to know her and she me. It's especially nice since the holidays are right around the corner and they are all about friends and family, new and old. Is there someone you’ve been meaning to connect with during this holiday season?

xoxox.....Sheryl