How far can I trace of long ago?  How often have I wondered.  Because I wanted to know where the beginning of "me" really started in my family.  My mother, my father, my sister, my brother, of my group I never thought of the significance of others.  We might take a trip to the countryside and see Grandma and Granddad.  And, this I thought was the only family we had.  I accepted my place, and my role I did play.  Until I discovered this one day... at the family reunion, there are others in my FAMILY.  People I never knew or never did see.  So many people, and some looked just like me. I met the oldest living family member and the youngest child to remember.  I met people from the north, south, east and west.  So many people and so many guests.  All of us were black in race.  But from every hue of the rainbow you could spot a face.  People of all different colors.  But some were blood sisters and brothers.  I soon learned that my family tree was really a great big bush, and all one had to do was closely look.   We had rarely had family gatherings, unless there was something the matter.  But this time,. everyone came from far and near.  Because everyone wanted to be here.  So, if you are a FATHER, MOTHER, SISTER or BROTHER, NIECE, NEPHEW, COUSIN, AUNT or UNCLE, by blood, by marriage, by distant kinship, wherever you are, or whatever role you play, WE ARE GLAD YOU CAME TO THE HEARST FAMILY REUNION TODAY!!! (Anonymous) Source: 2003 Hearst Family Reunion Souvenir Journal)

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