This is a most recent story of joy and defiance! I took a trip to Fairfax, VA yesterday to find a deed to my third great grandfather’s tract of land on Arlington House Plantation. I knew it would be a needle in a haystack, but I persevered. I met two wonderful historic records managers who helped me through my search. We didn’t find the deed, but I found something quite wonderful. My curiosity piqued and, even though they were officially closed for the evening, I asked to see the old section of the even older courthouse built in the 1700s. As I was standing in the 1700s courtroom, the historian gently announced that the courtroom would be the very one where my 4th great grandmother, Sarah Piper (and subsequently her children) sued for her freedom in 1754. I immediately felt a sense of awe and pride at her determination and resolve to be free! I did not go home empty handed, but rejuvenated. Things may not always go as planned, but... you never know!
Oh my stars!!!!! Standing in the spot, in the place where your 4G grandmother walked with courage, commitment, and through darkness into light...Sarah Piper. I shall remember her name. I love this story, this true story, and your story of going in search so very much. Thank you, beyond thank you, for sharing it with us all here.
I feel like I've struggled with belonging all my life, although especially since the pandemic. Onward to the future and hopefully a greater feeling of being part of a loving, laughing community!
This is a most recent story of joy and defiance! I took a trip to Fairfax, VA yesterday to find a deed to my third great grandfather’s tract of land on Arlington House Plantation. I knew it would be a needle in a haystack, but I persevered. I met two wonderful historic records managers who helped me through my search. We didn’t find the deed, but I found something quite wonderful. My curiosity piqued and, even though they were officially closed for the evening, I asked to see the old section of the even older courthouse built in the 1700s. As I was standing in the 1700s courtroom, the historian gently announced that the courtroom would be the very one where my 4th great grandmother, Sarah Piper (and subsequently her children) sued for her freedom in 1754. I immediately felt a sense of awe and pride at her determination and resolve to be free! I did not go home empty handed, but rejuvenated. Things may not always go as planned, but... you never know!
Oh my stars!!!!! Standing in the spot, in the place where your 4G grandmother walked with courage, commitment, and through darkness into light...Sarah Piper. I shall remember her name. I love this story, this true story, and your story of going in search so very much. Thank you, beyond thank you, for sharing it with us all here.
I just wrote a long ass comment that disappeared when I left this page to copy and paste something.
Sigh
Would have loved to have read what you wrote!! Thank you, Frankfurt Friend.
I feel like I've struggled with belonging all my life, although especially since the pandemic. Onward to the future and hopefully a greater feeling of being part of a loving, laughing community!
Onward, indeed! Thank you.