I have been on my own knowledge search, and it has led me to several things that I walk with each day. An understanding of name, a respect for education, a desire for more love, and a clear understanding that we are all cousins trying to make sure that we get our family hugs and a piece of the good grandma cake.I have found my father, gained more brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and history. I was gifted with an eye opening amount of information on our country, the world, and all of our places in it. I was blessed with more love, made responsible for those who hate, and handed the task of sharing this information with anyone who can benefit from it.

I have confirmed DNA with slaves, slave owners, freedmen and freed women. My bloodlines run directly with kings, pharaohs, queens, princes and princesses. My heritage is full of Confederate and Union Generals, Governors, Senators,and Congressional men and women. My family helped Army beat Navy, Navy beat Army, and the Air Force Academy beating and losing to them both. My cousins played in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, and MLB. There are Heisman, Oscar, Emmy, and Tony winners. There are Hall of Famers and honored soldiers.

My family tree is full of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. Founding Fathers, Rebels, and Spies. Rich and poor. Those with several degrees, and those who could not read or write. Rapists, murderers and thieves. Men of God and those who would best be described as evil.

I have legends, icons, leaders, and champions. I have forward thinkers, hope warriors, and angels on earth.

All in all, I am glad that I know now what I did not know before. I am as much a part of where I come from as anyone. I have the right to claim my place, and guarantee that place for my daughter, my family, and my grandson. They will know that they not only belong, but they KNOW that they belong.

Here's to the shared DNA in us all. Here's to understanding that its easier to love a stranger if you are aware that they are family. It is also much harder to hate them. I hope that we can move forward knowing that we are family. We are supposed to love one another. Some will say that family feud is a natural thing. I say that family love is more natural.

Take a look at this video. I was going to do one just like it, but this one is done perfectly. I will have to do my video on something else. Maybe, just maybe, it will have to do with love. Thank you to all of the family who helped in identifying, verifying, and loving through this journey. It is not over. It is only really beginning. We need each other. We should really love each other. 

Love you, cousin!

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_lBiFZ85d0[/embedyt]