Genealogy - Sentimental Sunday - No. 59

This is my Dad and his Mom, my Grandma Julia.  Based on when my Dad was born, I would say this photo was taken in late 1920 or early 1921.   

Been thinking about both of them a lot lately.  My Grandma Julia's birthday would have been last Friday - so she's been on my mind. It would have been her 108th birthday.

So, Happy Birthday Grandma... and I love and miss you Dad!

Davis Washington Austin - Sentimental Sunday No. 57

Davis Washington Austin ~ 1827 - 1903

Davis Washington Austin was my 2nd Great Grandfather.  He was the father of my Great Grandmother, Anna Elberta Austin - who I wrote about last week.

Original Certificate of Marriage

D.W. Austin married Amanda Seals in 1847.  They lived in Butler Alabama until they moved to Pensacola, Florida - where he worked at the Naval Yard.  At the outbreak of the Civil War he worked there building ships.

When the war began he organized a company of soldiers to join the fight, with himself as captain. Unfortunately for him (or perhaps very fortunately), the people making the decisions decided he was too valuable to the Southern cause as a ship builder and he was detailed to the Naval Yard building ships for the South. After the war he returned to Butler County.

Reverse side of Marriage Certificate - listing family births

Davis moved to Birmingham in 1871 and remained there until his death in 1903, at the age of 76. He was a contractor and builder, the Jefferson County Corner, a deputy sheriff, the jailer and in his later years engaged in real estate.

Anna Elberta Austin - Sentimental Sunday No. 56

Anna Elberta Austin was my Mom's maternal grandmother; my great grandmother. She died when I was almost four, on August 12th, 1963. She was born on October 30th sometime between 1868 and 1871. She lied about her age her entire life, and even erased her year of birth, and those of the two children before her, in her parents records.

Graduation Photo, circa 1888

Anna Elberta Austin, seated first on left.

I don't personally have a lot of memories of her, because I was so young when she died. But, I do have little glimmers here and there. I do remember she was always very nice to me. And I remember her little black coin purse that she would take out and open up to give me a quarter when she saw me, always saying "Let's see what Danny Bert has in her purse for little Cindy".  (We all called her "Danny Bert". My Mom was the first grandchild and she couldn't say Grandma Elberta; it came out "Danny Bert" and that's what she was called from then on.)

I can tell you is that she was a formidable woman.

** She worked in Washington D.C. for General Pershing.

** She marched with Susan B Anthony for the right to vote.

** She was with the Woman's Temperance League to bring about Prohibition. Although I was recently told by my cousin Nona that she had an ulterior motive for doing so. Her husband was notorious for going on "benders" and leaving her and the kids alone. So, she wanted to bring about a stop to those escapades - and wanted a chance to go around to the bars to try and find him.

I recently visited her grave in Santa Monica, CA. I wanted to pay my respects to her, and document where she is buried.

She was a strong woman, perhaps a little crazy - based on some of the stories I've heard, and a woman that wasn't afraid to speak her mind.  I admire her fortitude of spirit and her willingness to speak up for what she thought was right.  And, as a woman who has the right to vote - I'm thankful for the work that she and so many others did in those days.

Escalators - Sentimental Sunday No. 55

Cindy & Dad - early 1961

It’s such a simple thing – really! You walk over to it, place your foot upon it, and down you go. Escalators are commonly used and found in most malls, airports, office buildings. I’ve been using them all my life. Why then do I always have such a difficult time getting on one?

Jesse Wilford Reno produced the first working escalator (he actually called it the "inclined elevator") and installed it alongside the Old Iron Pier at Coney Island, New York in 1896. I used my first escalator about 1961. I’ve never had a problem “going up”. But, “coming down” is a completely different story!

My Dad told me that when I was little I would stand at the top of the escalator and cry and scream, because I was afraid to get on it. I don’t know what it is about stepping on that first step to ride down – but it frightens me. And to this day, I still hesitate before I get on one to ride down. I’m fine once I’m on it – but that initial step creates just a little bit of panic inside.

I was reminded about this fear the other day when a friend and I were at the mall. We walked over to the escalator to ride down, but the escalator wasn’t working. Lord Help Me! Walking down a non-working escalator is even MORE difficult for me. Must be a depth perception thing – who knows, but my friend was laughing hysterically at me. He thought it was hilarious that I had to walk down so slowly – panicking all the while.

I wish I remembered the days of me crying at the top of the escalator – I’m sure my Dad couldn’t understand what my problem was, and it probably frustrated him. Today I don’t cry before I place my foot on that first step, but inside I’m still that same little girl not wanting to step foot on the moving metal giant. Yup – I’m a dork!

I Love Lucy - Sentimental Sunday No. 55

“I Love Lucy” was one of my favorite shows growing up. During the summer months it was on television every weekday morning at 9am. I watched all the episodes with my Mom. Those are happy memories.

The show never fails to make me laugh, no matter how many times I’ve seen the episode.; and I’ve seen ALL the episodes at least five or six times. (All 194 of them)

It is difficult to choose my favorite episodes, but some are  “Vitameatavegemin”, “The Chocolate Factory” and of course “The Grape Stomping” episode. But there are many that are less well known that tickle my funny bone. For example, the one when Lucy and Ethel buy a walk in freezer and a side of beef – without Ricky and Fred knowing about it – and Lucy gets locked in the freezer and nearly freezes to death. Or the time they decide to live in “pioneer days” and Lucy bakes the loaf of bread that is huge and comes out of the oven and pins her against the cabinets – because she thought the recipe said 13 cakes of yeast, rather than three.

Especially dear to my heart are all of the episodes when they are travelling to California, and then when they are in Hollywood. Who could ever forget the girls stealing John Wayne’s footprints from in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater? Or, when Lucy is asked to be in a fashion show, but she gets so sunburned… and then has to wear a 100% wool suit on the runway. Her agony was palpable.

I am always instantly happy whenever I watch an “I Love Lucy” episode. She was a genius - and so was Desi Arnaz. He invented the 3-camera sitcom and was an incredible visionary when he had the show filmed, rather than recorded on kinescope.  I Love Lucy was the first television show to be shot in front of an audience on 35mm film.  It is because of his vision that we have all of these treasures more than 50 years later. What a gift they left us all.

I loved Lucy when I was young – and to this day I still do. I own the entire collection on DVD and watch them while walking on the treadmill. And, as I’m watching episodes I can almost hear my Mom’s laughter – because she loved Lucy too. 

Lucille Ball was credited with many clever quotes – but I’ll leave you with my favorite, “The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”

Who doesn’t "love Lucy" - she was FABULOUS!

Love Letters From Sea - Sentimental Sunday No. 54

Here is another letter written by my Father to my Mom. Their anniversary would be tomorrow; 69 years. This letter was written two days before their first anniversary. It was my Dad’s “anniversary card” to her. If I EVER doubted, which I haven’t, their love for each other – this letter would put those doubts to rest.

September 11, 1942

My Darling Wife:

I have been sitting here reading a book for the past hour and it reminded me of our lives and problems and I just couldn’t read any longer without writing and telling you that I love you from the very bottom of my heart, darling. I don’t know whether I shall be able to mail this letter or not, but I must write it to ease the pent up feeling I have inside me. I know that if I could just hear your voice, I know it would disappear.

My love for you is so very great, that when I’m away from you I feel like I shall explode. I miss you so terribly much sweetheart; and just knowing that you love me and are waiting for me to come home is the only thing that keeps me sane.

In two more days we’ll have been married a year and darling I want you to know that it has been the most heavenly year I’ve ever known. Just being your husband and knowing your love is all I want from heaven and earth. I do know that the love I have for you is real and true and that there never will be or could be anyone for me but you. You captured my heart from the very day I met you. I realize that you mean everything in the world to me and without you my life would be a blank. I truly know that I could never live without you and that as long as I have you, which I pray is forever, I shall one day be something. You’re my only happiness.

Although we are apart I know that our love for each other is just as strong as when together, and I’m sure that if every other married couple were as much in love and as true to each other, there would never be any need for divorce. I know that if there were no war that we would both be more contented with the fact that we could be together, but if every man loved his wife and longed for her as I do for you, their marriage could be nothing but a true honest and successful one.

I am looking forward to the day when we can be together always and build our home and live like we were intended to. But to put all this together and boil it down it simply means that I love you with all my heart and soul. Sweetheart, you’re my past, present and future and I shall be yours alone until the end of time.

I love you and miss you so terribly much darling. And I’m so hopefully praying that I shall be able to see you again; soon. Bye now sweetheart, and even though we can’t be together on our anniversary I’m wishing you a very very happy one.

Yours forever,

Your loving husband,

Johnny

House History - Sentimental Sunday No. 53

 

Our home was built in 1946.  It was the first home in this area.  The man that owned and built the home was Mr. Colgan.  He owned all the property around his home.  We are only the fourth owners of the house - and we've been fortunate to meet someone from each of the families that lived here previously. 

We both fell in love with this house when we walked through it the first time.  I love that I've met the people that lived here before.  It feels "full circle" to me - and I respect the history of our home.  The families that came before us laughed and loved here - and it makes me happy to continue that celebration in this house we call home.

When we remodeled our bathroom last year, we replaced the original tub.  After it was removed we discovered the bottle above with the note wrapped around it.  It had been placed under the tub as a 'time capsule', if you will.  F.P. Colgan owned and built the house in 1946.  "Porter Plasterer" is significant because Porter is my maiden name.  So, it was kismet - destiny - meant to be - that we should own this home and continue the tradition of love and laughter and happiness under this roof.

My Birthday - Sentimental Sunday No. 52

Cindy, Dad & Mom - Father's Day 1983

Tuesday will be my birthday.  I've stopped counting now.  I was 50 last year.  Now I'm going with "50'ish". 

If you've read my Sentimental Sunday's in the past - you know that I miss my parents tremendously.  But, on holidays - and especially on my birthday - the emptiness of where they once were is even more present.  They were amazing parents who loved me, cherished me, and made me always feel so special and important.  And birthday's were especially important.

Miss you Mom and Dad - today and everyday. I'll have an extra piece of birthday cake for each of you.  (Like I really need it!?) 

Driving Miss Sylvia - Sentimental Sunday No. 51

My Dad always said that someday he was going to write a book called “I Married a Nut”. My Mom was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known…. And my Dad was pretty funny in his own right.

Mom hadn’t learned to drive by the time she and my Dad got married. So after they were married he tried to teach her, his Dad tried to teach her, but things didn’t go very smoothly. She had a little fender bender early on, and she swore off driving. Many years later, probably about ten, my Dad said to her one night, “if you ever get your driver’s license – I’ll eat it!” Well, that challenge was just the little push that she needed. So, with her Mom’s financial help she took driving lessons. I don’t know how long the lessons lasted, but she was finally ready to go to the DMV for her driver’s test.

Mom passed both the driving and written test and finally got her license. That afternoon she made a really great dinner. When Dad came home from work he commented that dinner smelled delicious. She told him to go wash up and it would be on the table in just a few minutes. She served a plate for herself and her Mom, and when my Dad came to the table his plate was waiting with a silver "plate cover" over it. As he sat down Mom removed the cover and said, “There you go! Enjoy your dinner!” All that was sitting on my Dad’s plate was my Mom’s new California Driver’s License. They all had a good laugh, and she probably ended up letting Dad have a little of the dinner too!

Genealogy - Sentimental Sunday No. 50

My Mother's favorite Grandma was her paternal grandmother, Silvia Stone Heslet.  I just discovered these wonderful photo's of "Grandma Stone" taken in 1922 at  a California beach.  The baby is my Mom.

I love how fully clothed the women were at the beach.  Black clothing and hats.  It had to be warm in the sunshine and on the sand. 

This photo was taken in her later years.  My Uncle just sent it to me.  When I saw it I realized that I had a copy of this photo too.  But, I didn't know who it was.  I sure wish my Mom and Dad had been better about writing peoples names on the photo's. 

Unfortunately I don't really know anything about Grandma Stone.  Looking at the photo above - I think she has kind eyes.  I know how much my Mom loved her.  She had very happy memories of playing at her house.  And, she treasured a china luncheon set that had belonged to her.  The set belongs to me now, and I treasure it too.

My Godparents - Sentimental Sunday No. 49

My Godparents, Orie & Ginger, were my parent’s very best friends. Today would have been Ginger’s birthday. I miss the fun times we had and all of the celebrations we enjoyed.

Dad and Orie worked together at MGM, and later at Walt Disney Studios. I’ve written about my Mom and Ginger in a previous Sentimental Sunday, as well as Orie. You can read those posts here, here and here. They were hilarious together. Not a day went by that they didn’t speak, even on vacation… because we went on vacation together. Usually we went to Las Vegas – but a couple of times we went to San Diego. It didn’t matter where we were – as long as we were all together.

Ginger spent hours with me telling me stories, watching old movies, and working with me on my ballet.  Orie talked to me about gardening and taught me how to make fried green tomatoes and zucchini and pizzelles.  He gave me an appreciation of the most excellent italian food and meats and cheeses, and his sister's taught me to make some of their family italian recipes.  Those were fantastic times full of love and learning and the simple fact that they all spent that time with me made me know how much I was loved.

I was a lucky girl. I had the best parents ever – along with the best Godparents. I love all of them still – even though they’ve all gone on to that vacation in the sky without me. I know that when my time comes they will all be there waiting for me, and we will once again laugh and celebrate together.

Love Letters - Sentimental Sunday No. 48

Another special gem that we found when cleaning out the garage was a love note that my Grandpa Porter wrote to my Grandma Julia about one month before they were married. At 26 years old, he was 10 years older than she when they married.

While not as full of heartfelt emotion as the letters my Dad wrote to my Mom, it is beautiful and simple in the sentiment of how much he loved her.

The photo above is obviously a few years later, after the arrival of their only child, my Dad.

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Pueblo

November 9, 1918

My Dearest Julia:

I received your always welcome letter. As for my love toward you, it is as strong as a heart could make it. It is all for you as there is no other who could fill your place. In my estimation it is a true love that never grows cold.

I remain yours until death parts.

With love and kisses,

J.E.P.

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Finding this letter was bittersweet, as they divorced in 1941. I always thought they didn’t like each other very much. But, the fact that my Grandmother saved this letter all those years probably indicates that she fondly remembered that time, early in their relationship, when they were very much in love.

Love Letters From Sea - Sentimental Sunday No. 47

Here is another letter written to my Mom by my Dad while he was in the Navy. This letter was postmarked December 1, 1941. Just six days later Pearl Harbor will be bombed. The letters to this point look normal with normal postmarks. Letters after that date will bear the seal of the Navy Censors.

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Sunday

30 November 1941

Bremerton, Washington

My Darling Beloved Wife:

I wrote you a special delivery air mail letter yesterday so that you would know that I’m still alive. I sent it ashore with a guy that got paid off and I hope he mailed it before he gets back to Chicago. I went in to Bremerton last night and I bought you another Christmas present. It’s something you once told me you wanted, but I don’t think you’ll guess what it is. It’s large, but not heavy, and looks almost real but isn’t. I could tell you what it is, but won’t; not until Christmas. But what I will tell you is that I love you so very very much and would give anything to be able to hold you in my arms.

I went to a show and saw Honky Tonk and when she ran her fingers through Clark Gables hair and kissed him I got so homesick for you, I almost died. Then I had a hamburger and a cup of coffee and came back to the ship in time to hold 6pm sick call, some speed! I had to look in every store in Bremerton to get you that present and only one had it and I got their last one.

We’re going up North again and then come straight home, (I hope). Honey, I’m so sick of the Navy, and being away from you makes me feel like running away. If I weren’t a short timer, I would. I’m patriotic. I’ve fought for liberty for 3 years, in fact, and I even got leave a couple of times. (puny pun) There hasn’t been anything new going on and the ship is so dead it looks like a tomb. The Chief went over again last night and he hasn’t come back yet. Boy, he’s sure a two timing old turd. I hope he stays over.

What’s new at the rancho, Sweetheart, and how is my darling wife getting along? When you’re not busy tell her that her husband adores her and is terribly in love with her and is awfully anxious to be home with the little redheaded angel. I love you darling. Every time my heart beats it beats twice as hard because your heart is my heart so I have twice as much love for you. I feel like a shadow darling. I feel as if I left myself behind when I had to leave you. I’ve never felt like this before in my life, at least not until I met you. And, for myself I think love’s grand and being married to you is the most wonderful thing in the world. I love you darling, I love you, I love you, and if they don’t get me back to you by Christmas I’m going to want to punch somebody in the snot locker.

Well my darling, adorable, beloved, loving little angel, Mrs. John A Porter, I’ll have to close now. This will be the last letter I will be able to write before I see you (20th). Bye darling and please take care of yourself. I love you angel. I adore you.

Your loving and adoring husband,

Johnny

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He was able to see her at Christmas time, because there are letters dated in January indicating that they had spent time together.

Love Letters from Sea - Sentimental Sunday No. 46

Mom and Dad were married September 13, 1941. This is the first letter I have that was written after they were married.
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October 5, 1941

My Darling Wife,

I have been thinking about you hour after hour, and missing you more and more with the passing of each lonely minute. It seems as though the minutes are hours and the hours are one year. Oh darling, I miss you so. I feel as if I just can’t last another day until I see you, although I get a little comfort in just sitting here and thinking of you, but again I begin to miss you so much more.

You know sweetheart, I feel sorry for some of these fellows on here, not being able to love their wives as much as I love you. After all, you’re my greatest happiness and you’re all I’ve ever wanted and just having you to love and adore is happiness enough to overcome all other hardships of not being able to be with you all of the time. It won’t be like this in exactly 11 months and 29 days. That’s when I get paid off and then I can be with you all of the time.

My darling, I love you so very much. If only they would pay me off now I’d be so pleased that I’d probably say I liked the Navy. But, as long as I have to stay in I’m going to do my work and keep my nose clean.

If you miss me darling, as much as I miss you, then I know you must feel awfully empty and lost. I feel as if I’m alone in the world when I’m not with you. You’ve even become a part of me. You have my heart and soul. In other words, I am a zombie when away from you. I feel like I’m dead and I know I act it.

Well my darling, I must close and go eat chow, or else I won’t get any, so I’ll say bye now and I love you with all of my heart and soul. I love you. I love you.

Your loving and adoring husband,
Johnny

I love you.
I love you.
I adore you darling.
XXXXXX I love you XXXXXX
*******************************************************
So sad that he thought he would be out of the Navy by October 1942. (He had enlisted in the summer of 1937 when he was only 17 years old) Of course, we now know that Pearl Harbor was only 2 months away from this letter.

Dad stayed in the Navy until 1944 when he was honorably discharged due to critical injuries sustained in an auto accident while transporting a patient from Long Beach to San Diego.

Letters from Sea - Sentimental Sunday No. 45

Cleaning out our garage I found the love letters that my father wrote to my mother during World War II, when he was in the Navy. I knew that I had them, but haven’t seen them in 20 years. I had never read all of them – only a couple. After they passed away it was just too difficult for me to go through all of their belongings. I’m so glad that I finally sat down and read them. Priceless. Amazing how deep and strong their love was. There are two years worth of letters from him, and over the course of the next several months I will transcribe some of them. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. My Dad loved my Mother until the ends of the Earth. He knew he had found “the one” when he met her. They were married until death parted them.
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April 15, 1941

Darling,

Hello Sweetheart. I just finished work so I’ll write to you. We’re off the coast of Santa Barbara and it’s 4pm. Pretty good time don’t you think so? It’s only been but a few hours since I saw you, but it already seems like a year. I’d much rather be in L.A., then I could see you, baby duck.

Honey, I’m so sleepy that I don’t hardly know whether it is night or day. It’s all I can do to keep awake and do my work, no lie. But I’m not too sleepy to remember what I said and asked you last night. And, honey I want you to know that I am sincere in what I said. In fact, after I think it over I like the idea more and more. So you see honey, I’m not handing you any lies, so please don’t mistrust me.

I sure hope there is a letter from you waiting for me in Frisco. And Honey, please don’t forget to make your letters long. I am sure sorry I had to leave this morning, because as you know I would much rather spend my time with you. I already miss you so much that I’m anxious for this trip to end.

Well honey, we just got a guy that was battered up a bit, so I’ll close. Bye Sweet, and answer soon.

Loving you always,
Johnny

P.S. Ich liebe dich
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Dad had asked Mom to marry him the night before he wrote this letter. They had met only two months prior through mutual friends, Betty & Goss.

Genealogy - Sentimental Sunday No. 44

This is my maternal Grandfather with my Mom. He was born in 1894.

My memories of him are good ones. He lived about 2 hours away from us when I was growing up. We would visit a couple of times per year. Every time we visited we would go out to dinner at various local restaurants. In the 1970's there weren't a lot of really fabulous choices in Hemet. I recall a couple of his favorites, and we always went to dinner quite early. Usually around 4pm. I remember that he enjoyed a cocktail before dinner and his favorite was a Brandy Alexander.

My Grandma Mary passed away in the late 1960's, and Grandpa never remarried. When he moved out of their home into a mobile home park down the street - he was quite popular with all the widows. Several times a few of them would come to visit him while we were there. At the time I didn't think anything of it. Now, I look back at how they would all fuss over him and it makes me giggle. Today I understand what a commodity an older gentleman is with the widows.

Grandpa was in World War I. Here is a photo of him with some of his unit. He is in the middle. My Uncle told me that only two men from his unit returned from the war. So sad.

Grandpa and my Grandma Maurine were my mom's parents. They divorced when my Mom was very young. However, this photo that I found, dated in 1930, indicates that perhaps they tried to reconcile at one point. Alas, it didn't work out. She ultimately married another man - and he married my Grandma Mary in the mid '30s.

Grandpa died in the early '80s. I miss our visits and early bird dinners with him. One of my prized possessions is a cherry-wood breakfront hutch. It belonged to Grandpa for many years. I treasure it and think of him when I look at it. When I open a drawer or door on it, I remember that these handles and this wood was touched by his hands as well. It brings me comfort to know that I can pass this on to my son and he will have something that belonged to his Great Grandfather. And, while a 15 year old boy doesn't find interest in this today - I hope that someday he will appreciate the history.

Genealogy - Sentimental Sunday No. 43

1856 - 1948

This is my Great Grandfather, Lewis B. Heslet. The more I research my family tree - the more gems I uncover.

My Uncle told me that Lewis was a blacksmith. He's looking for a photo to send me of Lewis in his blacksmith shop. I can't wait!

While googling some of my ancestors names I discovered that Lewis had applied for a patent and was approved in 1911. The patent was for a machine which sharpened plow shares. Here is an excerpt of the patent:

This invention relates to machines for sharpening plow shares, and it has for its object to produce a machine of this class of simple and efficient construction in which the plow share, after being adjusted in position for operation, may be automatically ground or sharpened without further attention on the part of the operator.

I don't know how successful the machine was, or how long it may have been in operation. More research on my part is needed. But, I was pretty excited to find this piece of information. The more tidbits I discover about my ancestors - the more excited I am to continue researching.

Integrity - Sentimental Sunday No. 42

Well, this isn’t so much a “Sentimental Sunday” as it is a reflection on some recent events in my life. My father raised me with a strong sense of integrity. He taught me the difference between right and wrong and instilled in me the necessity to always try to do the right thing – even when it is really difficult.

I would say that I am a good listener, and that many of my friends come to me for advice and guidance. When asked not to say anything to others about a secret – I don’t. A good friend of mine says about herself, “I’m a good secret keeper”. And she most definitely is. I like to think that I am a good secret keeper too. But, recently someone told me something that required I take action. I had no choice. What they told me wasn’t told in confidence; it was actually shared quite innocently. But, I could not sit idly by and not do something. I’m sorry I can’t be more specific with the circumstances – it wouldn’t be right to share them in this forum. But, I’ve been torn up about my decision to take action – and I’ve damaged a friendship in the process.

There is no doubt in my mind that I made the right choice. No doubt that I did what I had to do. Those that know what happened agree that it was my responsibility to take action and if I hadn’t it could have had serious repercussions for me. But, none of that really makes me feel too much better. I am sad that my friend feels our relationship has changed. She has told me she isn’t mad and doesn’t hold a grudge – but she doesn’t know how to act around me now.

Reflecting on this situation I ask myself – would I do it all over again? Would I still take the same action? The answer is yes, I would. My conscience wouldn’t allow me to do anything different. If the friendship is lost I will be very sad, and that will be a high price to pay. However, not being true to me and my values would have been a higher price to pay. One of my favorite quotes is, “Integrity -- When you do the right thing even though no one is watching..” No one was watching – I probably could have gotten away with not taking action – who would have known? Answer: Me. And THAT would have been more difficult for me to live with.

The Phone Call - Sentimental Sunday No. 41

The phone rings. It’s 9am; you answer it. It’s the phone call you’ve been waiting for; the one that you have prayed for. Your adoption social worker is on the other end of the phone and announces “We have a baby boy for you. When would you like to pick him up?” Numerous questions and a phone call to your husband later you decide to get him on March 2nd. That’s just two days away from now. And you DON’T HAVE ANYTHING IN THE HOUSE TO TAKE CARE OF A BABY! No diapers, no clothes, no crib, no formula… Nothing! You didn’t know a birth mother was considering you. You hadn’t a clue. And now the biggest day of your life is here!

It’s spectacular really! This was the scene in our home 15 years ago today. I received the BEST phone call ever. Two days (and lots of shopping) later - the most beautiful person in the world came into our lives.

So many have said to us that J.J. is lucky, but we don’t look at it that way. We’re the lucky ones. We’re lucky and thankful that his birth mother chose us to be his parents. What a difficult and heart wrenching decision that must have been for her. We bless her and thank her for that decision. And we thank God for seeing that the three of us were “meant to be”. We are a perfectly matched family!

We have a saying between the three of us... "Together ~ Forever"! And, we will be!

Genealogy - Sentimental Sunday No. 40

I've been neglecting my blog lately. Both of my blogs in fact! I've had my head stuck in Ancestry.com for the past couple of weeks. I'm researching my family and scanning old family photos. I've come across quite a few photos that don't have any names written on them - and I have NO idea who they are. Frustrating. I am the oldest generation in my family - with the exception of my cousin. However, she doesn't know anything about my Dad's family, only my Mom's. (She's my Mom's First Cousin).

This is my Great Grandmother, Delia Bailey. She was my paternal Grandfather's Mom. I don't know too much about her yet. I do have some information about her father, Elihu Bailey. For instance, he was involved in the organization of the Republican Party in 1856.

This is her first husband, my Grandfathers father, Allen Porter. Really don't know ANYTHING about him. Having a terrible time trying to find out when he died - or even what happened to him really. On the back of this photo someone wrote in 1920 - missing for 27 or 28 years. That was pretty shortly after their third son, my grandfather, was born. I don't know the year that either of these photos was taken. Anyone have an educated guess?