Ok so now I’m impressed with facebook.

In 1999 my father died (he had cancer). He was not in contact with any of his family at all so with him died all knowledge of any of his side of my family. The story is that his own father was abusive so as soon as he could he got away left Jamaica and never went back and never contacted anyone only his own mother. His death was hard as we didn’t even have anyone to contact to tell them he had passed. We could find no details on his mum.

I spent many years trying to trace his family but there were so many dead ends and his own fathers name wasn’t even on his birth certificate and I couldn’t find his mum anywhere. In the end I gave up. However every now and then I did wonder where they were, I knew he had sisters and often wondered if perhaps I was passing them on the streets and didn’t even know.

He had an address book with people in Jamaica in it, but no phone numbers. I wrote to these addresses and never got a reply.

Last week to my amazement I was contacted through facebook by a lady who is my cousin, my Dad’s niece!! She contacted my brother who gave her my name and I started to check her out.

At first I was sure she got my name from many of the family tracing websites I had placed my name on. But as we got to talk properly I realised that she had searched our fathers surname, found my bro and then found me. I spoke to her and my aunt. I nearly cried when I realised that they had been actively tracing us for years too. My Grandmother had a photo of my dad with all us children on it and they still have that photo.  No wonder I couldn’t find my Gran, she changed her name before she died.

They are living in Boston USA and they gave me the names of my fathers seven sisters and where they all were at, some in Jamaica, some in Canada and some in USA one has also passed away.

These people are most definitely my family, they named many of the people that are in my dads address book and told me a lot about him when he was young. I am so excited, I just don’t really know what to do next...

Facebook is brilliant, I guess you can find anyone on there so if you are looking for someone, make that the first place to start!

Emblem of the Helping Hand

The Blog world is a funny, scary, interesting fascinating place where I have been truly entertained, educated, saddened and astounded. I love being part of it and find joy in reading what’s happening in peoples lives around the world.

I want to express my admiration and gratitude to a few friends today by passing on the Emblem of the Helping Hand given to me by the amazing CurvyGurl who is like my blog sista and I really enjoy reading her stuff.

Receiving the Emblem in recognition for your mentoring, support, and encouragement to a fellow blogger is no small fete! It is evidence that you have gone well beyond the call of duty by your continued efforts to "leave the pile higher than you found it"! It is further evidence that your blog(s)has been identified as the epitome of excellence and is certainly admired.

• Kyle @ 12Planet
  
• ShonaVixen
  
• Keith (im sorry you probably had this 50 times)
  
• Robyn
  
• Eclectik
  

Receiving the Emblem from a seasoned blogger is a testimony to you that you're on the right track! That your voice is being heard. And there are those out here in the blogsphere that recognize your potential even if you don't. Keep up the good work, and remember to "Pay it Forward".

• Angelina
• Ondo Lady
• Amanda @ Bajan Scent
• Sylvia
  
• Torrance @ Raw Dog Buffalo (thanks for helping me when i started)
  

I know you are not new to the game but to thank you for your support :-).


The Rules:

1. Select 10 bloggers: 5 you consider your blogging Helping Hand then "Pay it Forward" by extending your "Helping Hand" to 5 additional bloggers in support and encouragement for their efforts.

2, In passing on the Emblem, each recipient must provide the name of blog or blog author with a link for others to visit. Each recipient must show the Emblem and put the name and link to the blog that has given it to her or him.

3. Link the Emblem to this post: Helping Hand: Much Obliged and Paying it Forward so that others will know it origin and impetus.

4. If you have not already done so, show your recipients some love by adding them to your blog roll, Technorati Favorite list, or in any other way to further let them know that their blog voice is important to you and being heard.

5. Add your name to The Helping Hand meme and don't forget to leave a comment as a permanent record of all Helping Hand recipients.

6. Display the rules.