Well, we made it back yesterday from my brother's funeral and Home Going services. It was a trying time for me since he was a month away from his 89th birthday. He was a devoted Christian Like our mom was. I learned he was also a deacon in his church and was always there for duty. In fact I remember he joined that same church way back in 1950 and been active there since. He was given a great funeral in all respects.

We only had one brother and one sister that was unable to attend by being so far away from Houston, Texas. I'm sure their hearts were with him. Well that leaves two sisters and three brothers still living from a crew of 18 our mom and dad starting back in 1915. I'm the last seed of theirs being born in 1941 when she was 43 and he was about 65 or so. We don't believe he ever had a true birth certificate by the time I came along. I have done many traces to find his birth certificate but never could. We did find out through others we found in our searches that he was born in 1876. That's the year they entered in the family bible long time ago! We were never clear on the day or month and neither was he!

I do know from him and our search for records he was a run away slave at 11 or 12 years old. Word got around slow in those days but most slaves were freed and some were still being kept on plantations that no one knew about. I guess there is so much to history and for me to know they were a part of that history makes me glad to know I'm a little part of it.

I'm so tired and my limbs are sure hurting. all I can do now is rest up a bit more then come out and join you all on the message board again soon! I'll be in a different mind set by then. This funeral took it's toll on my body! I'm glad it's over and done. I got to meet grand and great grand nieces and nephews I didn't know I had. It's amazing when they come up to me and say "Hi uncle Freddie" I had no idea who they were. I been gone from Houston since 1986 and before then I was in the Army since 1958. I need more sleep and rest! See you all later.

Fred!