A Unique & Delightful Anniversary

Here is an email I just recieved from my 'new' cousin David. I am putting it here because David relates our history so well here, with such emotion, and clarity. And of course I added photos, well, just because.

William Hickson Cuthbert White

Dear Cousin Claire:

Today is the 2 year anniversary  that I received my 23andMe ancestry results and discovered my African roots.  That same day I sent you a message via Ancestry as I saw my grandfather, mother and aunt and uncle on your family tree.  When I saw my grandfather had a sister I knew I must be related to many on your tree.  And as it turns out I am.  I loved our beginning email relationship as it gave me joy to be connected to you and a feeling I was connected to my grandfather.  My first feelings were of sadness and pain for my grandfather and further delving into "passing" I have discovered it was not easy and was quite a sacrifice both logistically and emotionally.  I am currently reading another book about passing and this is a true story and the author also includes lots of history and facts.  The author is Bliss Broyard and the book is titled "One Drop"  The author's father "passed" and she found out on his death bed.  Later, she discovers his family many of whom were too dark to pass, although many were very light skinned and chose not to pass.  Anyway...............  Your return email welcoming me to the Carter family and our beginning email relationship and then meeting was so joyous for me.  And now here we all are connected and I am filled with love and joy.

San Diego Pop-up

I was so sad you missed the San Diego pop-up mini and I almost did not go because you were not going to be there.  But I did go and I was so glad that we did go but remember at that  time I was so worried about you.  That entire weekend was so joyous, loving and wonderful.  What makes me pause when I think about it was the first night at Cousin Charlaine's house we were all gathered and all but Cousin Carol were new to me.  A good bit into the evening Cousin Max announces that his grandmother Adele and my grandfather Cuthbert must be celebrating in Heaven to see all of us connected.  I thought and felt the same thing and I still do....................... the separation for the wrong reasons has now been righted.

I still think about our first meeting and how wonderful and emotional it was.   And wonderful Jen was our host. Then we were off to Atlanta for Uncle Calvin's Celebration of life.  I have to tell you that trip I was more nervous than a longed tailed cat in a room full of rockers.  But

Atlanta for Uncle Calvin's Celebration of Life

David and Jonniann visiting at my house

again, was glad I went and met more family.  Next was San Diego and was sorry you could not be there.  Prior to that I did surprise you by showing up at CTC as I could not stand it not knowing how you were being cared for.  Mind you, I worried I was overstepping and you would be offended but I followed my heart.  That trip to see you included a dinner with Cousin Vincent and his family.  Next was Colorado and that was so wonderful to see everyone again and share my home state that I love.  It was so good to just spend time in family love.  Then the unexpected meeting at Cousin Dovin's surprise birthday party.  How fun was that!?!  And our most recent pop-up mini  in Sacramento was so fun.  We did plan a good  one there and I think all  had a good time including Gavyn and Elyse.  Was sorry Elaine had her car trouble and could not make it.  But, how fun to have a pop-up on your home turf.  The aerospace museum was better than  I expected and I loved we had the history there of Air Force and Coast Guard family.  And, you had time with Jonniann and Charlaine.  And, I loved our lunch
afternoon with you and Jonniann.

I guess today feels very special and emotional for me.  Sad that my grandfather felt he had to "pass" and joyous that I am connected to all of my family who was a secret but now all know.  I have cherished our relationship from the email beginning and especially the in person meetings.  In life I believe there are no accidents and all of this was meant to happen.  How lucky I am............................................

So, at some point I would like to discuss Cousin Dovin's wedding.  I was so flattered and touched that he called me personally and invited me. Tom  and I have investigated getting there from Phoenix and found a van service that will take us to and from.  I figured if you, Cousin Jonniann and Cousin Charlaine were interested we could all share that and then no one would have to drive.  I have no interest in taking a rental car through the Mexican desert.  Anyway...........................  let's discuss.

I am so glad to know you and the bonus is that we are related.  What a joyous 2 years and I love DNA discovery.  And, the SAC min pop-up was so fun and loved it was on your home turf -- how fun is that!!!

Ok, I must be off as I am off of a 24 hour shift.  Looking forward to our next meeting.

Love and fist bumps,
Cousin David

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I am sooo lucky! You can read about the first 'historic' meeting of David, Tom and Myself HERE.

Bonus Pop-Up Day

Bright and early, Monday morning, Charlaine, Jonniann and I drove to the Sacramento Airport. With lots of hugs we bid Charlaine so long for her flight home to San Diego. Jonniann had planned to spend the day with her daughter Elaine who attends my alma mater UC Davis - Go Aggies! Sadly Elaine was held up by car stuff, and I got to keep my cuzzie all to myself for another day.  

We did a little bit of 'joy riding' during which I showed off my favorite park Sailor Bar. We called up Jen & Andrew's house and invited Dave & Tom out to lunch. Tom - poor guy - was a bit under the weather so we only absconded with David. We enjoyed a Nepalese lunch at a local restaurants. Then we went to my house. 

The whole day was a lovely bonus Pop-up day for me. I enjoyed having my cuzzies with me for chats and giggles. After our lovely visit, Jonni and I dropped David off back at his friends. Later chatting with Jonni I was thrilled to find out she had an interest in something dear to me, that despite it's sentimental value, has been neglected & dusty in a back room - my old nylon string guitar. I got it in the early 1970s when wanted to learn classical guitar. The Yamaha guitar when new sounded like stroking rubber bands strung on a cracker box. Now, with age, the guitar wood has a lovely deeper sound and the instrument has reached maturity. I like to think of it as a Red Violin, minus the mayhem. I am happy to think that maybe it will be in the Carter family, passed from member to member for eons. A girl can dream!

Jonniann however has been actively attempting to play guitar but at home she and her hubby have a steel string guitar which has played havock on Jonniann's gentle fingertips. Hurrah! I have found a forever home for my dear old guitar! Here enjoy Jonni playing a few notes on her new found friend.

[UPDATE: I recommended Joniann not take the guitar with her on the flight back to San Diego as it would be a hassle and the instrument lost its case eons ago. Since that day I did just wrap the guitar and ship it to her. I bet she nd the guitar are becoming fast friends. Life is good!]

Pop-up Reunion and a visit to McClellan Air Force Base

All ready to board limo-bus 

Today was the big day of our Family Pop-up Reunion. Charlaine, Jonniann and I made it to our rendezvous spot where we were greeted by Cousin's David & Tom who are staying with now-officially-family, Andrew & Jen.

Our gracious as heck hosts: Jen and Andrew 

Wasn't long before the-cousin-of-my-birth-month Yvonne arrived. She is staying with her nephew - who is my second cousin - Vincent and his family, Peta-Gaye and their kids, Elyse and Gavyn. Lots of greetings and hugs, followed by our Hobbit 2nd breakfast as prepared for us by incredible head chef Jen.

Everyone gathered and ready for Pop-up Reunion Fun

Before long, the limo bus that David arranged to pick us up, arrived & we were off.

Loaded up and ready for fun: left to right are David, Tom,
Charlaine, the twins, Gavyn & Elyse, Vincent, Peta-Gaye, Yvonne and Jonniann

Arriving at the McClellan Air Force Base Museum.

David, took on the task himself of doing all the planning for our Sacto reunion - thanks again David! He wisely guessed that as Cousin Yvonne's father, Calvin had a long career in the air force, we would all enjoy the legacy he left to all of us.

Marveling at aerial view of the museum's many exhibits

A tiny bit of the View

 The first thing we did was the most fun - certainly in my view. All of those of us who are air-sick proof, got to pilot our own planes - at the Flight Simulation Center. So cool!

Look at the concentration on the face of young pilot Elyse

The Flight Simulation room had many simulators set up so several of us could have a go all at once.

There will be video of our actual flights, and bombing runs & crashes (!), later in this post.

A pilot's eye view

The simulated flights were the bees knees, or wings as it were. Loved it!

Our guide was a former pilot and he really knew his stuff.

The museum had a lot of things from the Apollo Moon missions including a couple of claustrophobia inducing space suits.

Examining the 'Snoopy' Reconnaissance Drone used in Viet Nam

Getting some questions answered for potential Air Force recruit Gavyn

 After touring the massive hanger and it's many jets and planes, we went out side to continue our tour.

The twins enjoyed handling big ole' bullets

Took a lickin' and kept on tickin'

Some of the planes, still have the holes to show the damage those bullets could do. The planes on display served through WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and the middle east. Some planes were fighters, others were used to rescue and serve. 












There was a Mig fighter back from the days of the Cold War.  The Migs weren't on our side but yikes, they are legendary.





There was a nice old Blue Angels jet with paint all scuffed up. I have been lucky enough to never go to a Blue Angels demonstration, but to luck out and see the jets shooting by, in formation, up to loops and such, practicing over San Francisco and later again, over San Diego. I used to have all the luck!

This Blue Angels jet is in its well deserved retirement

We even got to climb on board several planes & make our selves comfy while our guide gave us the scoop on the plane's history.

Vincent enjoys the seat that various dignitaries once relaxed in

Under Restoration? I wanna fly this baby NOW!

This particular jet was used to transport dignitaries from one place to another. It's official famous status is because it transported the likes of the Shah of Iran and his wife, Empress Farah, Henry Kissinger, and former California governor George Deukmejian among others. It's local fame at the air museum is because the jet was at the use of a General, whose bossy wife got the last say in the sky blue decor of the jet. As they say, happy general's wife, happy general's life.

We also climbed on board a Coast Guard rescue plane.

Coast Guard Clipper

End of our tour, but not the end of our day

Headed back to Jen & Andrew's place 

The fam dug into some family history via computer & big screen

It as a long and wonderful day. A full day of fun and family wasn't all of it. Vincent as our birthday guy and Peta-Gaye just happened to bring along big old delicious red velvet bundt cake to celebrate, and celebrate we did.

I didn't get photos - was quite busy stuffing my face, thankyouverymuch, so that's on me. I videotaped the singing of happy birthday and such, but made the rooky (idjit) error of only thinking I'd turned on the camera so that was no go too. Oh well... Suffice to say, Vincent enjoyed his celebration and we all had cake. Yippy!

Cheer was the order of the evening

Thanks for this photo Yvonne!

Vincent blows out the candles on his red velvet birthday cake.










We had a fantastic day together, and the chatting and catching up took us into the evening. Thanks again to Jen & Andrew for so amiably & generously hosting our family's Pop-up Reunion here in Sac'o tomatoes. And thanks to David & Tom for doing all that planning. I mean, geez, I didn't even know there was an Air Force Museum in my neck of the woods.

And last, here is my video of our day together. At almost 30 minutes it's long for one of my end-of-post vids, but I have watched it a couple of times because I love the heck out of it.  Lots of footage of our Flight Simulations, including us loop the looping, me flying over Manhattan and Cousin David bombing her majesty's Olympic stadium in London. How is that not fun & worth a look?