Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Journey to Georgia

I don't know where to begin to describe last weekend. I went to Watkinsville, Georgia to be there when my mom met her father for the very first time.

I said this to our new family; that we expected to have a memorable and emotional time, but none of us, not my mom and dad, or my sister and daughter, thought we would be so welcomed and accepted and loved.

It was beautiful. And I've never seen my mom so happy.

7 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:39 PM

    What a sweet story! I can defenitely see the emotions. Congratulations in finding your Grandfather! Athens, GA is my home town, so the pictures reminded me of home.

    -Whitney

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  2. Anonymous7:40 PM

    Wow!!! What an amazing story and I think you should pat yourself on the back for being able to photograph it, without completely losing your composure. I am sobbing over here at work and I don't even know your family. However I am sure it is a beautiful closure for your mom and her father... God Bless them!
    -Pamela

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  3. Anonymous7:41 PM

    Words cannot express. You can't hardly view the show through seriously wet eyes! I love your details mixed in - the yard flag, the American flag, denim pocket aprons, old photos, etc... I really like the "complete" family photos at the end, too. I can TOTALLY see the resemblance between your mom and her dad! God's timing is perfect. You can't help but wonder what it would have been like to know sooner. Maybe their hearts wouldn't have been so accepting years before? No one will know. I'm so glad to see this reunion come about so perfectly. You had me BAWLING by the 3rd image or so where the lady in the back has her hand over her mouth. Definitely send a copy of your slideshow/story to Oprah's show if your family is ok with that!!!

    How is your mom doing now that you all are back home? Do they talk on the phone a lot now? She not only found her dad, but FIVE sisters! WOW!

    Faith

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  4. Anonymous7:41 PM

    It made me cry! that was such an awesome story thanks for sharing!
    Aronda

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous7:42 PM

    My God, woman, beautiful job. You had my eyes watered up from the first shot of her dad.
    There are only two true emotions in this world; Love and fear. All acts of agression, envy, lust, anger, and the rest are expressions of fear. Your little show is the balance for all that; The Yin against all that Yang.
    Love is the only reality in this universe. There is so much of it in your piece. If you could figure out how to get that much love spread across the globe this would be a better world.
    If I wore a hat, I'd tip it to you. If I was close enough, I'd have to hug you long and hard. But, for now, just know you won my admiration. Excellent job, kid, excellent...

    On an aside; A few years ago my big brother called me. It went like this;
    ring, ring...
    "Hello?"
    "Hey, Bro, it's Jimmy."
    "Yo, big bro, what's up?"
    "Just wanted to let you know you have a new nephew."
    "NO WAY," (I was about 50 at the time, Jim was, maybe 57), "That's very cool! Tell me more."
    "Well, I had a knock on the door yesterday. When I answered it there was this guy standing there. He's about 24, good looking, and he said, 'Hi Dad, I'm your kid. Remember Linda?"

    Not quite the same as your story, eh? But true...

    ReplyDelete
  6. Anonymous7:38 AM

    This is absolutely beautiful. I cried like a little baby. It was so emotional and you could see love in every picture. Congradulations to your whole family. Not only do you now know your grandfather, your children have met their great-grandfather and what a gift he is it sounds like. Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us......I'm so glad that they accepted you with open arms....

    Kathy

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  7. Anonymous6:32 AM

    No dry eyes in my family! It was soo beautiful and the video are the best and I love the music.

    Thanks again Leah for sharing, we couldn’t call you after seeing this, I don’t think we could say a word.

    We are happy for your mom and grandfather and for all of you of course.

    Love your friends over Abercorn ~ Hansson’s Family

    J

    ReplyDelete

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Mom of four fantastic, funny kids. Freakishy addicted to hot tea and cold cereal. Fantasizes about a future in photography. Loves to death her fun friends, funky family and football (just ask anyone). This has been brought to you by the letters "Ph."