I saw one elderly uncle on my father's side, as well as three cousins (children of my father's siblings).
On the next day, I drove to Jackson, Mississippi to have lunch with a cousin on my mother's side of the family (daughter of her brother). The following day I had a visit with an elderly uncle on my mother's side. We also went to visit all the family graves there in the cemetery, from both sides of the family, including both of my parents.
Along the way, I took in the sights. That included many delta views. The Mississippi Delta is flat, and surprisingly at this time of year, it was a rather drab brownish gray. They have also had a very severe winter. In fact, on my last day of driving back to Memphis, I encountered the results of a severe ice storm, coated trees, broken power lines, outages and the fallout from that storm.
Some other year, the trees might have been in bloom in March, and the daffodils in all their glory. I had hoped that when I went south, I might get a break from the cold winter weather. I did enjoy one 70 degree day. Then it plummeted.
In my driving around the north eastern part of the state, I saw signs for towns reminding me of many of the places where I had lived or visited when I was a child growing up.
I learned some information about family members that provided important insight.
Perhaps the most important insight is that which was gleaned about myself. I have come a very long way from my roots and I am so very grateful for my family, the life I have made, for my accomplishments, and for who I have become.
It was a challenging travel experience in every way, from navigating to weather to technology. But I am glad that I made this pilgrimage. Clearly, the little girl who grew up there is a faint and distant memory.
At this point in my life, I have actually lived longer in New York State, and this is my home.
How thankful I am!
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