Finding Eliza Read Online Free PDF Page B

slow, but I’m determined. It will get done soon enough,” he said with a chuckle.
    Thomas was always polite. His gentle grace was a welcomed breeze for Lizzie. He reminded her of the stereotypical grandfather character seen in movies or television. His strong faith and moral compass was an example to all in the church, especially the younger generations. Pushing ninety years young, Thomas had known several generations of her family, including her great-grandfather. Though younger, she imagined him as a window into the generations of family that she hadn’t met and another tie to her parents. He loved to share stories about them with Lizzie. Thomas’ official role in the church was as deacon, but for years he had fancied himself its caretaker. He was the first man in and the last man out on a Sunday morning, even in his advanced age.
    “Are you sure you don’t need help? I don’t mind. I like spending time with you, so you’d be doing me a favor.” Lizzie meant every word. He was one of her favorite people in the community.
    “No ma’am. You go on back to your meeting. Your granny will get at me if I give you any distraction from that group. She’s put us all on notice. I might even get into trouble for talking to you. Don’t you get me caught,” Thomas giggled. He pretended to hide behind Lizzie so that Gertrude wouldn’t see him. “Go on back to your group, darling. We’ll catch up on Sunday.”
    Lizzie pretended to be as covert as possible in saying her goodbyes as she made her way back to the other side of the room as ordered. As she sat at the table chosen for her by Gertrude, she noticed that several small groups were beginning to gather over books and documents. Looking at each face, she noticed that most were widows just like her grandmother. Lizzie realized that these ladies weren’t here just for the hobby; they were here for the companionship. Friends flitted from one table to another looking at the materials each brought to share during the meeting. Women grinned with pride as they pointed to documents and explained the stories associated with each item. They exchanged hugs and encouragement. It was a sweet sight, and one that Lizzie was happy to observe.
    In the past, Gertrude had told her granddaughter stories of locating records at the local courthouse. Lizzie had never paid attention, or cared to ask, about the steps that it involved. As the other women gathered, she overheard stories of frustration over missing or damaged records. She listened as they shared their triumphs over missing pieces of information. They giggled and gave high-fives after finding out that a friend had proved a relationship discussed in family whispers. Lizzie found herself surprised at how interesting it was to listen to these ladies. It felt almost magical as mysteries cracked wide open in front of her. They weren’t discussing her family tree but she still found it compelling.
    “I cannot tell Gran this is interesting” , Lizzie said as she shook her head and stifled a laugh.
    Blue pulled a chair up to the table and sat down next to Lizzie. “Tru can go sit over there with Abi. You’re mine tonight, sugar.” Blue patted her on the leg and settled in to listen to the meeting introduction.
    This meeting wasn’t about a specific topic such as a repository in the area or researching a certain type of record as many meetings were. Tonight the group decided to discuss the care and keeping of the special items that every family historian hoped to find. They brought out the Holy Grail of family history: family Bibles, photographs, and journals.
    Sitting next to her at the table, Blue pulled a small leather-bound book out of her bag that sat at the corner of the table. Lizzie couldn’t tell if it was a Bible or a diary, but it looked old. The cover of the book was worn, and the bottom edge of the spine looked as though it had spent many years on a shelf. The leather was creased and broken in various places indicating