I attended a Lovelace family reunion today. I think I've mentioned that this was coming up. It was great. About 21 of the 35 people whom my uncle Allen invited came. I've been sitting here trying to figure out exactly what to say about it. Somehow a play by play doesn't feel right. I mean, it was a reunion. People sat around and talked and ate food. But for my part, it was so much more. I've missed the old Blackwell reunions, and have only realized since I've gotten older that I was never a part of those; I was never a Blackwell. But I am a Lovelace, and these people welcomed me with open arms. It's going to take me a long time to really assimilate the fact that I suddenly have this extended family of Lovelaces, and that they have just opened their hearts to me.

Everyone was wonderful, but I want to mention a few specifically.

I met Allen's son, Mike. Everyone had said that we looked a lot alike. We're not identical, but you can tell we're from the same bloodline. That's weird. Mike is a great guy.

I also met Jerald Dean, Allen's sister. Her daughter, Monica, was killed in an auto accident recently. I was surprised to see her, and I don't think there are words to express how touched I was that she came. I mean, I know that she didn't come just to meet me, but it was a factor, alongside the fact that this is the first family reunion (I believe). Jerald really took to my aunt, Martha Sue (Chaney-Rhea), whom we brought with us.

Jerald's daughter, Lee, was wonderful, too. There are lots of names I'd like to mention. Jennifer. Jerry. There are a lot of faces that I haven't put names with yet, as well. All I really know to say here is that I feel that I've been blessed. I'm grateful. Whatever powers that may be has gifted me with a loving family who have opened their arms and hearts to me and my family. Somehow or another, at the moment I don't feel so much like a ship adrift. Somehow I feel like I know where I come from.