All I want is a picture of my Grandfather . . . .

[Merryg]

OK - I'll try to make this short. My Dad was adopted. (his Mom got institutionalized with TB and their father abandoned them after that) Since I was in middle school (am now 30) I had been researching for his family history off and on thorughout the years. We had a picture of his Mom. That's it. (should mention he got adopted along with his two biological sisters) Well, I had primarily been searching for info on his father since we never knew what happened to him. Well, I finally found out when he died. I recently located his brother's info 2 years ago . . . . only to find out that he passed away in 1999. Long story short, I located the daughter of my Dad's Uncle. I contacted her and explained who I was. She seemed so thrilled to hear about my Dad - she never knew that my Grandfather had kids. She knew my Grandfather. AND, she has pictures. I explained to her that all I want is a picture of my Grandfather so I can see what he looked like. A few other pics of the family would be wonderful. SHe said they were all in storage and she would have to get to them . . . but she seemed so willing to do it. I should mention that she just lost her Mom in December. It's been 8 months and I still have no pics. I don't want to seem pushy to her. Everytime I talk to her, she seems soooo nice and so glad to hear from me.

<sigh> All I want is to see what my Grandfather looked like. It is sooo hard not knowing about my family history on my Dad's side. Who were they? What kind of personalities did they have? What did they look like? Do I look like them? What about my sons - do they have any resemblances to them?

<sigh> Thanks for listening!

[ahippiechic]

I kinda know how you feel. My dad doesn't even know I exist, and I have very little info about that side of my family. I hope she finds you a photo of him soon!

[justme23]

*hugz* I hope you get your picture soon!!! I know ppl heal differently and you never really get over the loss of a parent, but I really think 8 months is a long time and plenty of time to get back in the swing of things so I don't think you'd be being pushy if you asked each time you talked and explained to her often how important it is... and I have lost a parent, so I'm not trying to be insensitive, I really do think 8 months is a long time.

[schsa]

I think the exchange of pictures would be wonderful. I would also tell her that if she has pictures that she wants returned that you will pay to make copies and then return the originals. Some people are reluctant to give up family picture because they are afraid they won't get them back.

Keeping a family history is so important. I hope that you are successful.

[MommyG3]

I understand your feelings. My father's grandmother on his mother's side died when my grandmother was only 3 months old. I would like to have a picture of her as well. I don't know of anyone that would have a picture of her, though.

[lisahiser]

You could tell her that you will send her money to copy the photo, she can copy a picture for you at walmart for like $5 at the kodak photo copy place, I am doing this for my lil sis cuz she doesn't have pictures of our grandfather and I have a ton that I have from my wedding, ( that was the last major family event that he attended before he died) so I am going to make her a few and frame them for her! I think that it would be a good idea to send a few of your family, it is always good to keep family close, even if they are distant!!

[Merryg]

To answer some questions - - -

I have already sent her pics of me and my family including my Dad

I told her that I did not want to take her originals. I explained how she can go and make copies at the Kodak picturemaker machines. She was very willing and excited to do so. I never thought of offering her money. Maybe I can ask her to send the originals and I'll make the copies and send her back the originals.

She has a sister that has disowned her. She says that sister has done research on the family and has made a family tree. Sounds like I need to get in touch with that sister! But I don't want to offend her. I just don't understand what the hold up is. I don't want to seem pushy to her. I think I will write her a letter explaining how I would like to present my Dad with a picture of his father for Father's day. My Dad barely remebers what his father looks like.

Zitra, I have used Rootsweb and all the others. Found another distant cousin through there. She drove in from another city to meet with us. Very nice lady. But still, she had not this mcuh of a direct link and pics. This is the first tiem I have "access" to someone who has pics and stories to tell of my Grandfather and his family.

[odyssey]

good luck ((((((((Merryg)))))))))

[BeanieLuvR]

{{{{Merryg}}}} I hope she sends the pictures soon. Good luck. :)