Monday 13 January 2014

A TrueKeeper....

Hello All! My name is TRUE!

Yes!  that's really my NAME.

I usually don't talk about ME. Just for this Post I will tell you a little about MYSELF which is hard to do. This is the 1st Time I have gotten really Personal.  I have been blogging since November 7, 2012. I choose that date in Remembrance of my Daddy who taught me the True meaning of Family History.  I  Reserve my Blog for my Ancestors.

I was born a day before Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr died. April 3rd. In Harrisburg, Pa.
 When I was born my Father's Parents adopted and raised me. My Grandmother Tinnie named ME.
On April 4, 1968 when Dr.King was assassinated my Grandmother said "When One Life was Taken, Another was Given".

She always boastfully said. I was "Blessed" from the womb.

My Mother who is German and my Father who is African American.

My Mom, Me and 2nd child with Parents (Grandparents) 1989

 They were young, it was the 60's. The World was a tumultuous time. My Father was away at Vietnam he served 2 Tours and spent 28 years in the United States Marine Corps, and still Living today. Both are! I'm a retired Army Veteran as well. Serving in the Army has afforded me to be stationed and live all over the World and United States in ways I might not of ever experienced doing something else as a career. I live in the COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY! good Ol' US of A.

My Grandparents decided after much thought who were married for 25 years and all their children were Grown and Living away from home decided to "Keep Me"!  I was their Oldest Child's Firstborn.

I laugh now because I say they bought and got me for about 160 Bucks!

Receipt of my Adoption
This and my Original Birth Certificate and Letter from Lawyers is my only Documentation of my Original Birth. This has never been seen before. I only found it after my Grandparents passed away.  My Adoption Records from the State of Pennsylvania are Sealed. That is why I'm glad my Grandparents let me KNOW my Parents so I didn't have to Question who I was and Search for my Heritage. It was the Best thing for my Family to make all those decisions before I was born.

I'm so Grateful and Proud. I was meant to be with my Paternal Grandparents. They were the catalyst for the Wonderful Life I have been able to Live. I had the Luxury of having all of ME and my Heritage. No part of me was Denied. My Grandparents let me see both sides of my WORLD through my Birth Parents.

I've always felt International for the longest. So it's befitting that I'm participating in this WorldWide Genealogy Blog for I am Truly Worldwide. Through DNA testing I have learned about my English, Irish, Norwegian and African Roots. Some parts still Unknown. I'm a U5b1c Maternally and E1b1a7a Paternally through 23andMe.

Since I was a little girl. I knew I was gonna be the "TrueKeeper" of my Family's History. I've appreciated this Gift for a long time. It started when I was 9 and I didn't know it was called Genealogy or what Genealogy was?  I just always penned and kept Notes to Myself. Eventually as I grew into adulthood. It has it's True Meaning now.
Daddy and Me,  age 9.  1977

From this picture, it explains it all. I found this after my Parents passed away also. I remember those times. When Daddy would break out the pictures and I would ask so many questions and remembered Family Stories from Heart back then.

I'm so Grateful for them not shooing me away and answering my questions. I always loved to hear  My Family Stories and where I came from. I have deep roots in Cumberland County, Newville, Pennsylvania, my Mother's European family have been there since the Revolutionary War from England, Ireland, all over Europe.  All the way to Bullock County, Midway, Alabama with my Slave Family. It was always a joy learning about all the Relatives I had and what their Lives were like.
 They could of kept the old ways where a "Child should be Seen, and Not Heard". I loved hiding in the wings and behind doors to Listen to the Old Folks. I'm glad I got to stay with my Grandparents. I was Overwhelmed with Way too much LOVE for ONE person.

I get a little teary-eyed at times. I find solace in that they appreciated and knew what I was doing and they were so Glad and Grateful to tell THEIR stories and that someone was Passing it On.

So that is what I do at my blog: My True Roots!  ! I do African American Research intermixed with my European Heritage. Please stop and have a look around. We just might be Kin!

I'm a member of 3 Genealogical Societies. I'm also a part of African American Genealogy Slave Ancestor Research or AAGSAR.  I also TWEET.  That Girl! @MyTrueRoots .   I look forward to writing more on my Ancestors and tell you the STORY that Inspired me the MOST and hearing all of Yall's stories. Thank you to Julie Goucher of "Angler's Rest" for the Invite!

I have A Ol'Slave named Ike Ivery!  He is who began me on my Quest for being the......... TrueKeeper! of my Family History.

Are you the "TrueKeeper" of your Family?


Thank You to my Grandparents for all their Love and Everlasting Support. Simply the best!
Me with my "Parents" who are my Grandparents, 1997


See Ya soon!
Best Regards, True!



45 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing about your birth and early life. Glad you are here with us in this international project!

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  2. I was so moved reading about your early years. You come from a family of love. Great to read that they lighted the "genealogy" fire inside you. You are the family historian and you do a wonderful job. Thank you for sharing you. Stay blessed.

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    1. Bernita Thanks So Much. We truly do share a passion from our heart! I think they saw something in me as a child. I loved even when I got Grown just sitting on the Porch with them and going over things. I got their Blessing!

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  3. Thank You Kristin! I love all the Countries. The introductions as well! Glad you got to know ME better as well.

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  4. You have a fantastic story! You are TRUE(ly) blessed. I will be joining the authors here on the 16th! What an exciting new venture, and adventure we are on!

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    1. I so Appreciate it Carol! Thanks for stopping by. I can't wait to hear yours as well. What a Community! I'm loving all the Countries and Intro's!

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  5. Beautiful Story True! Thank you for sharing your personal story.

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    1. Can't Thank You enough TA for always Supporting my Writing. Thanks!

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  6. Beautiful Story True! Thank you for sharing your personal history with us.

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  7. Love your story & I feel the LOVE that surrounded you. Tear-up and continue to stay TRUE.

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    1. Thanks Sandra! I let them tears roll and then keep Honoring Them! Thanks for stopping over!

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  8. Love your story & I feel the LOVE that surrounded you. Tear-up and continue to stay TRUE.

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  9. What a beautiful story True! Thank you so much for sharing "You" with us. "TrueKeeper".. I'm going to remember that. Loved it!

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  10. Hey True, I loved it!!! You have such an interesting and amazing story!! You are Truely blessed!! So glad you shared with us!!! Thank you and keep up the great job on the blogs, I loved reading them!!! Oh and I have a lot of family in Harrisburg.

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    1. THANKS GIRLY! I'm glad to get a little personal with Family! Thank you for appreciation. We will have to compare notes about Harrisburg!

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  11. True, I grew up close to my grandparents, so I found your story particularly touching. The love, the bonds – thank you for sharing your beautiful story.

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    1. I have so much Respect and Love for them. I always knew they were the PARENTS and set Boundaries in my own Heart. I have all the time now to Enjoy my Birth Parents. They are like Siblings now. This has taught me how to be a Grandma as well. I want to do good! and remembered in that way. Thank you for stopping by!

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  12. True, thank you for blessing us with this tender story. I grew up close to my grandparents so it truly resonated with me.

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  13. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL True Keeper! Life is really something else. Seems you were destined to be there "firsthand" to capture your family stories and claim your inheritance. Enjoyed learning more about who you are and all the wonderful souls who made you YOU. Proud of you!:)

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    1. Thank You Luckie! As I look back, who else was gonna continue this? I don't take it for Granted. "FirstHand". I've made many STRIDES since being with AAGSAR! Proud of you too! xoox's.

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  14. What a wonderful way to share. So happy to be part of AAGSAR and get to know True and her story. I envy those of you who had an opportunity to know your grandparents and their stories; up close and personal. You are a "TrueKeeper" Keep up the great work.

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    1. Thank You Ms. Jewell. You are doing Fantastic Job as Well. Glad you are being a "TrueKeeper" as Well. xoxos.

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  15. Thank you for sharing your story ... I am so happy to be part of AAGSAR so that I can know and learn how to honor ancestors in a new way. I envy those of you who had an "up close and personal" relationship with your "grands" and their stories. You are a TrueKeeper" ... please continue the great work!!

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  16. Trude, you have such a fascinating background and name, I look forward to reading more about your family history.

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    1. Hello ScotlandSue! Thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed your's as well. Glad you are participating to read more of your Homeland.

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  17. True, this was wonderful! Thank you for telling us about yourself!

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    1. Jana Thanks for reading. It was probably about time. Awkward, but Time!

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  18. Hi, True, love your name and your blog. Really looking forward to hearing more stories from you
    Di

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    1. Diane Thank You for stopping and reading. I'm excited about everyone's stories as well. I love telling my family history.

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  19. True, what an amazing life story you already have and how positively you approach life. You knew the true meaning of genealogy while the rest of us were largely being self-indulgent. Look forward to hearing more.

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    1. Pauleen Thank You so Much! I was very aware of "My Life" when I was young. I went on to do other things but now I can solely concentrate on it. It was never far from me. Thanks again!

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  20. True what a beautiful story of you and your family, love the photos, looking forward to reading more about your family history. great job. I wrote a comment the first time but it didn't show up..so if two pop on here you will know why.

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    1. Thank You 777! I look forward to you guys stopping by and reading more. Thanks for letting me share.

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  21. Loved your story, you have been TRUEly blessed. Sounds like your grandparents were wonderful people, instilling an appreciation for your rich heritage. Looking forward to reading more.

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    1. Thank you Karen for stopping by! and reading my Post. I know the Blessing I receive. I always feel for people who don't know their heritage. I'm glad it wasn't kept from me. It could of been easy, but they choose the rough road to make me whole.

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  22. What a fascinating story, True. Your sunny personality and positive outlook shine through in this post. I am so pleased you joine in this activity.

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    1. Thanks Jill! I got a lot of questions over the years abt my heritage. It's good to write it out and say it OUT LOUD! I appreciate your sentiments.

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  23. So U Ms. WorldWide Now? Luv it so Glad U are. Ain't No stopping U now Ms. True
    Blessings Abound! Luv Ya Girl! Bev

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    1. LoL at you Beverly Ann! with your World Wide SELF! Thanks for Coming Over and Checking me OUT! Love ya! Glad to share alittle about MYSELF from time to time.

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  24. Hi True! I am so glad that you are on this worldwide blog! I was so excited when you shared your post that I knew that this is something I wanted to do. I look forward to your posts...and of course I love your story. It touched me very much. We are really genealogy sisters. ;-)

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    1. Yes we are Yvette! I'm glad to be a part as well. I'm glad you got to find your FAMILY most importantly and you get the WHOLE picture of yourself. Gen Sisters for sure.

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  25. Hi True,
    Thanks for sharing your unique and heartfelt story. I love the name too it has strength. I am an adopted child too who is bi-racial, so I can relate. Blessings!!

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  26. Thank You Tina Marie for stopping by. I'll be looking out for your introduction and getting to know you and your work as well! You know all to well how we have to keep our feets in both worlds as they would say. Blessings and Peace to You. I'm gonna keep finding my Strength in my NAME.

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World Wide Genealogy Team