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Shirley Bannarn Tanksley-1967 ( photo courtesy of Shari Doyle-Chandler) |
Looking through my genealogy files I came across some papers that reminded me of my Aunt Shirley. She had given them to me several years ago. It was Thanksgiving day and my family gathered at my brother's home for dinner that year. She smiled, handed me a stack of papers and said. "Here Honey, take these papers",You will know what to do with them more than I will". I was surprised that she gave them to me. knowing how interested she was in genealogy, she had also been researching our history. The papers contained names of family members that she had written, generation after generation with birth and death dates. Included were her notes of some of her research that she had done and information on the Seminole Indians. Once again, I was being handed family information and being told that I would know what to do.
When I reflect on this year, the resolutions that I made in the beginning. I realized that my genealogy research has indeed reached another level. I didn't even notice, It swept right past me. Somewhere in the midst of finding the Facebook group AAGSAR (African American Genealogy & Slave Ancestry Research), starting a blog and sharing my family history. It happened. I was at the next level. This was the improved strategy that I had been looking for.
If Aunt Shirley were here, maybe she would tell me that by talking to myself I had called what I wanted into existence. She would love the blog and would be proud that I was sharing the stories. People are placed in our lives for reason, and a season. They touch us in one way or another and become part of the story. Aunt Shirley is still with me, she is with us all. Smiling, turning cloudy days to sunshine and encouraging us with her loving, positive words and thoughts..
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Aunt Shirley 2011 |
Denise
© 2013 Denise Muhammad
beautiful story.... Aunt Shirley knew exactly what to do with her findings, you are the chosen one:)
ReplyDeleteDenise, this is a wonderful post about your Aunt Shirley. She was a very beautiful lady. She knew who to pass the information about family too. You were given the charge, and doing a phenomenal job in journaling the discoveries you're making. She would be proud of you. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm trying. I have big shoes to fill. :)
DeleteBeautiful story!! She does sound like a cool Aunt. You always paint such a vivid picture, I love reading your blogs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. I appreciate your comment. :)
DeleteYour Aunt Shirley sounds like she was a wonderful role model, and well ahead of her time in understanding the power of positive thought. You are so fortunate to have had her in your life, encouraging your genealogy work then and now.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great tribute to your aunt!
ReplyDeleteThank you Teresa!
DeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to your Aunt Shirley. She was as beautiful as she was cool with a great smile. You can see the family resemblance between you two. How amazing that she saw in you the person who would take your family history to the next level. She is smiling on you when you write about your family. You are doing an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bernita!
DeleteGreat story about your Aunt.
ReplyDeleteThank you Terrence.
DeleteAunt Shirley was my kind of Gal! I felt like that when I last saw my Aunt Bunny, she now has Alzheimer's. Her last words to me is "Baby you Got it"!.....she was the founder of our reunion. She gave me that look. I've been carryin it on since. I see the resemblance. She saw it in you too. Great Tribute!
DeleteThanks True. Sounds like your Aunt Bunny was so proud of you! It's an honor to be chosen to carry on the family history. :)
DeleteNice story about your aunt! Denise...I have Carr and Dabney from VA on both sides. Let's talk!
ReplyDeleteThanks Delores. Oh yes, we have to talk! probably cousins :)
DeleteYour Aunt Shirley knew you were the one to carry on the family research. She paint a wonderful picture of your aunt with your words.
ReplyDeleteThank you LindaRe!
DeleteBeautiful post Denise and I for a fact that Aunt Shirley would LOVE your blog and be very proud of you too!!
ReplyDeleteWishing you continued success with your family research and genealogy blogging in 2014 and beyond!
Thank you Liv, I appreciate your support. :)
DeleteI have some Tanksley's in my family tree, too! See, we already have a connection!
ReplyDeleteWow! Yes we will definitely have to talk! :)
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