My Genealogical Glue

For many people, the word, “family” simply means the emotional and genealogical connection that is shared among a group of individuals. However, for me, family is the pendulum that gives me a sense of balance and focus. Acting as the embodiment of what a family truly represented, my late Great Grandmother, Lillian Caldwell, was what I would refer to as our family’s “genealogical glue.” She had the power to bring relatives from the furthest distances and an unfound presence that would keep our family gathering until the late hours of the night. As a young woman, she taught me how family helps to define who we truly are and that no matter what, the love of family was unconditional. On one particular occasion, I was able to sit on her front porch during a family picnic and engage in a conversation that I will take with me for a lifetime. During our talk, the only thing that I was able to say was, “Hi Grandmother. I’m doing fine,” and from there, she proceeded to speak ribbons of wisdom. Without even mentioning the daily trials and tribulations I had been facing at the time, she was able to recite what seemed like poetry to me. Her strong sense of awareness and religious conviction brought tears to my eyes and at that moment, I realized how honored I was to be in her presence. Although she is no longer with us, our family still honors her with personal poems and readings of her favorite biblical scriptures at each gathering. So when someone now asks me what does family mean to me, I mention a name that speaks for itself, “Lillian Caldwell.”

By: Adrienne C. Thomas

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