"Keeper of the Kin"

Family has been one of my greatest joys in life! My first joy is my relationship with God, but family certainly comes in second. After that come friends, the arts, nature and other such things. My love for family is something that I think has been with me all of my life. Because I am in essence a quiet, reflective person, my true, core emotions are sometimes lost in the busy lives of those around me. However, although my sentiments are often not received or understood as I would like, I have not tired in expressing them.

Recently, I published a book about my grandparents ("My Dearest Minnie.") More recently I published a companion book ("Keeper of the Kin,") to help others with simple tips on documenting their genealogies. Both books were a joy to write. They were instrumental in helping me to be a keeper of the kin. In some families, everyone basically knows everyone. In other families, a few people know a few family members and a very few details about the lives they live or lived. Most families fall somewhere in between the two extremes. I was blessed to have parents (George and Anne Frasier,) who felt it important to keep family a priority and to keep connections strong. I am so grateful for this blessing! In this current period in life, keeping strong family connections is a challenge. We live in a world where families tend to be spread throughout the globe, making it harder to maintain a personal relationship with our "kin."

Because I feel I have been mysteriously chosen to be a "keeper of the kin," I take this task seriously. As a mother, I enjoyed every aspect of my children's lives. Despite living through some very difficult years, Abasi, Khalil and Cecily brought me tremendous joy! Even as adults, they continue to bring me joy. Abasi is a profound thinker with a heart that desires justice for all in a sometimes unjust society. His wife, Krysta is a bundle of creativity who is not afraid to risk testing her new ideas. Khalil is a quiet adventurer who is light hearted and to those fortunate enough to be in his inner circle, he is truly a great friend. His wife Niki is a hard working dreamer. Like Krysta, she too is a visionary who is not afraid to test the strengths of her vision. Cecily is a strong young woman with a surprising wit. Just by being in my life and in the lives of others, life feels more "doable" because of Cecily's quiet, caring and hilarious spirit.

Now, I am a grandmother! Makai and Kennedy are both rare and amazing jewels! I realize that most grandmothers probably believe that about their grandchildren, but for anyone who meets Kennedy and Makai, they agree that these are actually, in fact, awesome children! I thank God for them. They are kind, caring, creative, well-behaved, funny, smart and super cute! For me, they are truly a gift! I recently celebrated my 66th birthday. Because of my children, my grandchildren, my immediate family (Aunt Isabelle, Cousin Phena, both now in their late 80's) and too many cousins to name I want to keep connections strong. They need to know how much they are loved. Because of my extended families, (The Price's and the Heiser's) I want them to know that they are a part of my heart. They are important to me. Because of my long-time friends and even the newer friends in my life, I embrace them as family as well and desire to remain connected.

Basically, I thank God that He has appointed me a "Keeper of the Kin." With this lifetime assignment, I plan to make an even stronger commitment to be the best "Keeper of the Kin" that I can be. When I reach out, it feels so tremendously grand to have others reach back to me. But, understanding that lives get busy, I understand when that does not happen. However, please keep in mind that "FAMILY MATTERS." So, in your own way, in your own time, try being a "Keeper of the Kin" in your own life. I believe you too will find reaching out to be a great blessing.

By the way, the books mentioned, as well as others I have written are all available on Amazon.com or by contacting me directly at Rdestiny51@aol.com.

Love and Blessings!

Ruth C. Chapman