RE-DISCOVERED COUSINS!
April was an amazing month of rediscovery. My mother was an only child, so I had no first cousins on her side. My mother had nine first cousins. As a child I remember a couple of reunions with my mother Katie’s cousins. When I left home in 1967 I lost touch with that side of the family. After “Elsie” was published I sent a copy to Dorothy, Elsie’s first great-niece mentioned in the book. I had a lovely letter from her thanking me for the book. I also had a lovely letter from Elsie’s youngest nephew Cameron Burley. Yet, I remained out of contact with most of the other relations. I was thrilled when a Pinterest post of the book “Elsie” was noticed by one of my long-lost relations. She contacted me and thus began a lovely time of reconnecting. It was fitting that the first gathering of lost cousins should take place on Palomar Mountain. We shared old family photos, family history and the connection between Elsie and her sisters Hylinda and Alice.
Alice’s granddaughters Marilyn and Chris enjoying old family photos with me.
We stood beneath the apple trees our great-grandfather had planted in 1906.
Like the glorious new blossoms on the trees we had a friendship blooming there on Palomar.
Apple blossom’s from 1906 tree.
There are no words to describe the thrill of knowing Elsie and her sisters had loved and played where we took our photos 110 years later.
Chris, Evelyn, Rosie, Edie, Ray & Barb beneath tree that our great grandfather Alonzo planted 1906.
Ray, Edie’s handsome young son, represented the fifth generation of a Hayes relations to stand there.
When my grandchildren and my brother Dan’s grandchildren gather apples there they represent Alonzo Hayes’ 6th generation gathering apples from his trees.
Mateo, Talia & Sarina Waite – 6th Generation under Alonzo’s apple trees in fall, 2012.
Perhaps my mother’s favorite cousin was Samuel Urshan. I remember Uncle Sam as a handsome and charming man. Sam had been a captain in the US Army Air Force during World War II. He flew 29 bombing missions over Japan. In 1952 he flew 45 missions over Korea. His self-portrait hung in my sons’ bedroom for many years. I knew Ray might enjoy this painting created by his great uncle Sam in 1947. 
Sam Urshan- self portrait painted 1947.
I was delighted to give Ray this reminder of family history.
As far as I know, Sam never had an experience like he painted here.
I think of how pleased Elsie would be that the family reconnected on her beloved mountain. The continued story of the Elsie’s years on Palomar is coming together. I hope to publish it by December. I am grateful that Elsie’s story of her Arizona years continues to sell. Montezuma Castle National Monument just ordered an additional 20 copies as I write this. That brings the orders from National Parks to 570 copies. Thanks to all those who have added 277 Amazon reviews. I never dreamed publishing Elsie’s story would reconnect me with cousins. What a glorious gift Elsie has given me.
Cousins, granddaughters for Elsie and her sisters on inspiration point where Sunday Vespers took place 110 years ago.
