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Archiver > RHEA > 1999-01 > 0917236077


From: "James Rhea" <>
Subject: Re: [RHEA-L] Genealogy Dilemma
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1999 22:47:57 -0500


Ultimately, this is always a personal question and, if you don't know all
the parties involved, you can't figure out how they would react prior to
contacting them! For example, my grandfather Washington M. Rhea II had
another family after he and my grandmother divorced. I'd like to find the
other family, but my own family is tight-lipped about who they are. People
from the generation of my grandparents and parents respond quite
differently to divorce than do people raised in the 60s and after.
Personally, if I had the names of my half-uncles or aunts or siblings, I'd
write them a letter directly explaining my interest but I'd also make it
clear that I would understand if they felt differently. That way, they have
a way out, so to speak.

----------
> From:
> To:
> Subject: [RHEA-L] Genealogy Dilemma
> Date: Saturday, January 23, 1999 1:45 PM
>
> I've learned that I have a half brother and sister. My parents were
divorced
> when I was 2 or 3 and my father remarried. He has since died and his
obituary
> listed his survivors: widow and two children, plus others.
> My father died over 30 years ago and I have a copy of the obituary; in
fact,
> I visited his grave when I was in that part of the country a few years
ago.
> Recently, I learned that his widow, who must be near 90, is still living.

> My dilemma: his children may not know of my existence. Even though this
was
> eons ago, his children may not know that he was previously married and
had a
> child.
> I'm not eager to renew or instigate, new family ties, but I would like to
know
> some particulars about my father: when and where he was born, etc.
> Should I contact his son, who is near my age, or his son? If so, what is
the
> proper way to do this? I'd really appreciate your advice and counsel.
>
> Thank you
> Lola
>
>
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