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
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!
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12 comments:
facebook is a great 'site if you use it for the right reasons.
I am happy for you. Have a great reunion.
I have used Fb trying to track down my father. I haven't had any luck, I messaged everyone with my surname on there. Some replied some didn't, but no further info or leads. I will keep trying though.
Good luck with your new found family. Yes Fb is a blessing and a curse!
Facebook is good for that..I've connected with friends and associates from every era of my life on it...I'll look for you.
This is great!!! Glad you were able to find some of your family :-) what a blessing. Facebook is a great site when its not being abused.
I still like facebook. I don't use it as much as i did but every so often i get contacted by someone I actually want to speak to! yeah, you have to be careful with what you're posting but I'm definitely glad it's around.
I'm happy for you. Its a great family reunion! I know i have a half sister somewhere, i will continue looking for her.
oh wow congratulations. facebook can be such an awesome tool when it wants to. one of my friends is currently engaged, and met her guy via friends of fb. and It's reconnected me with old friends from primary school
so glad for you and you're family, this is a blessing! enjoy getting to know your family :)
Great story. Congrats on your new found family members. Yep, Facebook can definitely be useful when it is used for the right reasons.
Oh what a sweet story, I am so glad you managed to locate your family. There is nothing like family roots to keep you grounded.
Facebook has been a great connector for people. I have met a few cousins myself as well as people that think that they related to me. It's fun to find that link.
Tiffany
http://liferequiresmorechocolate.blogspot.com
Amazing story. Glad to hear you've reconnected with lost family.
@Iani, thanks for stopping by
@IceQueen, sorry you haven’t had that much luck. There are some people find services you could try
@Keith, Still waiting for your friend request :)
@E.M.H, yeah I need to get more into facebook now although I’m finding its taking lots of my time
@Mr Special, yeah babe you don’t spend enough time there at all
@Trica, thanks gosh a half sister!! Good luck with your search.
@Bombchell, wow that’s a lovely story facebook love…I’m sure there is a group for that.
@Amanda, thank you
@Ondo Lady, yeah family roots is where it is at
@Redbonegirl97 aka Tiffany, I guess I will have to keep everyone informed on how I get along
@Wendal, thanks :)
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