My mother, a late bloomer? I've never thought of her that way until last week, when I heard Melissa Barker's presentation about finding records for our female ancestors. Suddenly I could hear Mom's voice saying that her last job was most important of her life, even more than raising my sister and me. While thanking Melissa for her lecture I tried to say what Mom told me, and choked up with emotion. I was overwhelmed with grief, but also with joy that Mom found a way to heal her own heart while working in a prison! My mother was on her own from about age thirteen when she worked and boarded with a couple with young children before and after school. She wanted to pass the high-stakes test in Canada at the end of grade nine, so she could go to high school. During her time with that family, lots happened, including a burst appendix and time in hospital recovering from the infection and surgery. This all happened miles away from her mother and siblings in Calgary, Alberta, Can...

In honor of Women's History Month and each of the brave, generous, tenacious women described:  Barb and Bob, Ted and Lola: Loss, war, love and enduring friendship .   The story begins at the meeting place: 4711 Meridian Avenue, Seattle .  4711 Meridian Avenue, Seattle, Courtesy of Google Maps Four families and a l egacy of connection What seems like chance—the convergence of four young lives in one small house in Seattle—created bonds that would last lifetimes. The story of Bob and Barb, Ted and Lola reminds us how seemingly random moments can shape generations, including the author's very existence. The Meeting Place: 4711 Meridian  The story begins in a modest house in Seattle, owned by Mary Shutt, a woman who had already weathered more than her share of grief. Living with her was her daughter Barbara Jean, known to everyone as "Barb," a bright Lincoln High student with her whole life ahead of her. The Foundation: Mary's Journey Mary Reese was born in Indiana i...

  Thank You Note Vectors by Vecteezy In celebration of this period of gratitude, here are some thoughts from your SKCGS Board members.  May you all find peace and joy this season! Background Vectors by Vecteezy Background Vectors by Vecteezy Background Vectors by Vecteezy Background Vectors by Vecteezy Background Vectors by Vecteezy Background Vectors by Vecteezy Background Vectors by Vecteezy

Cover page of Rick's Memorial program I recently lost my brother-in-law to covid which caused a heart attack. It is still painful in the week after the burial and the memorial service, however I've realized how much joy and sorrow can exist together, especially in someone who does genealogy as a means of family history. Of course the hugging and tears help too, and the phone calls, swapping stories, laughing and crying over the shared photos. There is a wonder to it all, as people on Rick's side of the family, no kin to me except by marriage and the shared love we have for my sister's children, grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, when the barriers come down in shared grief. It is suddenly ok to walk up to people whom you barely know, and hug and cry together, when this is really not the case at other times, at least in my family. And because I do genealogy, I know (or can figure out) who all these people are, how they are related to one another, and so, what th...