The Female Link

There are been many changes in the family over the past year or so. Most pre-eminent was the passing of Mary's husband, Helene's father, Al Hanson. Mercifully, for both himself and his family, his was a short decline. I did not know him well, rather I knew of him from bits and pieces in other family stories. While he may not have figured in some of the more dramatic familial escapades, his quiet life was a sincere testimony of a commitment to work, charity, and family. I am certain we all share a heartfelt sympathy for his wife and child.

When Pierina passed, her brother, John had a renewed interest in writing down some of the family stories. Mary had said that she would get together with he and I once that Christmas and holiday season had been gotten through. One thing or another got in the way of us sitting down and going through whatever family photos and stories she may have. I had hoped that we would be able to do so in the very near future.

One thing that did work out and is reflected in the title of this piece, is that I gave my Ancestry.com login to John and Cheryl. This has proven most useful as Cheryl has been methodically adding onto the John Paul Cappiali tree over the past few months. She has even added some photos from one of the early trips back to Sardinia. Since John and Cheryl have recently returned from their first trip there, that may have been the trigger.

I am asking that each branch of the family who has some of the older photos to please contact Cheryl and see if she will upload them to the tree. This way some of our more farflung relations can see what others have put up and perhaps learn more about the family as well. Cheryl has added her side to the tree and I am hoping that the other women who have joined the family will do so as well. Contrary to popular Cappiali male belief, the women are equal, if not greater contributors to the lineage than they themselves. That the wives have managed to survive the Cappadoste males is proof enough of their strength. It is also proof that they can withstand the barrage of chat for which their mates are noted.

So, let us join forces and begin to scan and post some of these pictures either to this blog or to the tree.