In the fall of 2005 my friend Tammie and I decided to be Girl Scout leaders for her daughter’s Daisy troop. We had gone through scouting all the way through high school and thought it would be a fun adventure. We had a sign up and had a lot of girls join. We got a phone call informing us that one mother would like to sign up her daughter, but they were new to the area and would like to meet us. After the meeting, I wondered who teaches their dog sign language? And how long did that take? She also invited us to a Pampered Chef party to which we were to bring a banana dressed up. Let’s just say my banana had a Barbie wig, pearls, high heels, and a fancy dress. Something we still laugh about.
Who teaches their dog sign language? And how long did that take?
Through the years we still get together when we can. We always play cards, go to dinner, movies, all kinds of fun things. In 2017, twelve years into our family friendship, she posted an obituary of a great uncle who passed away. When I saw the name I was shocked. His last name was Mabis. That was my maternal grandmother's maiden name, and as you can see, not a super popular name you hear all the time. So I immediately opened up the Mabis family tree book and found him and then found my friend’s name as well. Wow!!
Our common ancestor is our great great grandfather. I sent my friend/cousin a text that said we are related and not distantly or with any removes, we are 3rd cousins. The next day I called my aunt and asked her if she knew my friend's grandma, and she said yes, cousin Edith. What a small world. Now when we go to their family and friends get togethers, her family is also mine. It has been fun to meet so many cousins!
It has been fun to meet so many cousins!
Follow Your Lateral Lines
The moral of the story is to make sure you branch out sideways or laterally on your family trees. I had the Mabis family tree through 1972. But I had only put in my great grandfather’s siblings and my grandma's first cousins. I knew more about the people generations before me but never worried about the ones that are still alive. Do not make that mistake! Branch out and down. Up is not the only way to go in family history.
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