A Good Day

Most of you reading this probably know this has not been a good week. In the midst of loss and sadness, I had a commitment to attend a reunion today of a distantly related group of folks. When I got up this morning, I can't say I was looking forward to it. But these kinds of invitations don't come along that often and I decided to make myself go on and meet with fellow Mobley researchers. I am so glad I did.

Walking into a group of strangers, even though related by blood, can be a daunting thing. I've been invited to reunions before where I was stared at like a bug on the end of a pin. Today I was greeted by several folks who I had met before and did not realize were connected to this branch of the family. I was greeted by people who had known my grandparents and that was all the credentials I needed for acceptance. I was welcomed by people who didn't have a clue who I was but were happy to have me show up anyway.

We researchers camped at a table and pored over each other's notebooks and ooh'ed and aah'ed over photos we had not seen before. The food was great. The auction was fun (I picked up a local history book and a piece of McDade pottery). Afterwards one of the researching cousins gave me a personal escort to a cemetery that I've been searching for for two years. Turns out it was right under my nose, but you sort of have to know where it is to see it.

I had a great time and it was just the thing I needed to offset the previous week. I've been invited to come again next year and I plan to be there.

LSW