R.I.P. - W.A. "Link" Lincoln

Link, or Grandpa Link, as he was called by our younger family members, died on March 21. Unfortunately, my family was not officially related to Link. Therefore, we didn't find out he died until May 7.

Our family is mourning the loss of man who we truly loved and will miss. As my niece wrote so eloquently,

"...his life mattered! He mattered to me! You were loved!I don't care about what your relationship was like or what your history with him was, he was a good man and a loving member of OUR family."

Link had been a part of our family for years and years. He was in family photos at the weddings of my niece and my nephew. Whenever my son and his family were in the area where Link lived (about 500 miles from their house), they scheduled time to visit Link. 

Link died in an assisted-living facility where he was placed by a biological daughter. Yes, Link was having memory problems. He needed the care; but he didn't need the isolation. Daughter and her siblings seldom saw him. They never spent holidays with him. They seldom invited him to dinner or other family celebrations. None of us in OUR family were allowed to know where he was. We were told not to visit, send cards, or call him. 

So, how did we find out about his death? My mother called his daughter to ask if she could send Link a birthday card. Daughter said, "Oh, he died March 23rd." We don't know if he was buried or cremated. We don't know if his ashes were placed somewhere, or scattered, or are just sitting in a closet.

The lesson in this, if there is a lesson. Please don't hold grudges. The pain can last for a long time. And for some people you don't even know.

And, again, as my niece wrote,

"Thank you, Grandma, for making him a part of our family and for all of the unconditional love, respect and kindness you showed to him despite the obstacles you faced."

SCGS Jamboree - Why Go? Food choices. That's why!

There are so many food choices. And you don't have to drive.

First, check out the hotel. For breakfast there are many of the usual choices. I love their omelets and yogurt.There is a bar attached to the dining room. Some years there are Happy Hour specials. Join friends for a drink (they have non-alcoholic also) and a snack. Sometimes that's all that's needed for dinner.

In the morning, at the bar area off of the hotel lobby, there is a coffee/latte bar with a few breakfast rolls/muffins, and I believe juices. 

During Jamboree, the hotel sets up a food line between the hotel and the conference center (on the beautiful, green grass.)  Not too many choices, but great for coffee and tea, fruit and a muffin for breakfast. There are more choices for lunch and in the past there has been another line set up just opposite the swimming pool. Many seats are available both on the grass between the two buildings and in the patio area of the hotel.

Across the street from the activities are a variety of restaurants. The walk is about one block, because the food court is set back from the street. There is a Denny's, Panda Express, Del Taco, McDonalds, Starbucks, a fish restaurant, a Greek restaurant, a Subway, and perhaps a couple of others. The lines may be a little longer at lunch time, but not too much of a wait at dinner time. And walking, before or after sitting all day, is good for my "old" muscles. If you are from a warmer climate, you'll probably want to bring a light jacket or a sweater, because the mornings can feel cool.

I just love the variety of meal/snack options, all without needing a car.

So, why go to Jamboree? The food choices. That's why!

SCGS Jamboree - Why Go? The Location - That's Why

Burbank, California

So few medium or large genealogy conferences are west of the Rocky Mountains. SCGS Jamboree makes it easy for all of us to attend a conference with fantastic speakers and not spend enormous sums of money getting there.

The Bob Hope Airport (Burbank) is across the street from the hotel (Los Angeles Mariott Burbank Airport Hotel) and the convention center. I've been told that the train station is next to the airport and across the street from the hotel and convention center. Interstate 5 (Golden State Freeway) is just east of the hotel and the convention center. So, it's a great location.

The airline that doesn't charge for checked luggage makes numerous flights in and out of the airport. The rates are usually good; the security lines are usually short; and the commute from Jamboree is short (across the street), and inexpensive. (In fact, you could actually walk there if you wanted to.)

I've met many attendees who have taken the train from northern OR southern California. They meet others who are also attending; have no parking fees; and no stressful driving.

What can I say about driving? Well, it's Southern California traffic. Especially on Wednesday or Thursday evening, if that's when you are arriving.

I understand that rooms at the hotel are selling out fast. So if you want to attend, please make your reservations soon. But, the convenience of having the hotel just about 50 feet from the convention center is wonderful. The grassy area between the two buildings usually has lots of round tables with chairs. If you find lots of items in the Vendors area, you can easily take them to your room. If the ladies' restrooms have long lines, you can (fairly) easily run up to your room. And, if you use a cane, walker, wheel chair, or some other mobility device, the "commute" is short and flat. Except for the elevators in the hotel, there are no stairs, escalators, or additional elevators.

So, what more can I say about location? The weather. Warm during the day; cool at night and in the morning. Perhaps a little rain, but usually not for long, and not hard. Many outdoor areas in which to sit and relax, including the space between the buildings, a patio and a pool area in the hotel.

I hope to see you in Burbank in June. I'll be there and I hope you will be also.