From the moment we take our first breaths, we begin to form the most crucial ties of all: family. These bonds provide us with a sense of security, belonging, and love that cannot be replicated elsewhere. One of the most important ways to strengthen these familial connections is by spending quality time together, which allows for creating and developing meaningful relationships.
These connections can last for generations, with family members bearing witness to the growth and evolution of their children and grandchildren. For example, imagine the joy and wonder of a great-great-grandmother who meets her newest family member, a precious great-great-granddaughter. This intergenerational exchange of love and support is one of life’s most precious gifts.
The beauty of family ties lies in their unconditional nature and ability to withstand the test of time. They serve as a foundation for our lives, offering us a sense of belonging and comfort no matter where we go or what we do. Whether we’re gathering for holidays or simply sharing a meal, these moments are invaluable in building and strengthening our familial relationships.
Ultimately, the importance of family ties cannot be overstated. They are the threads that weave together the fabric of our lives, creating a tapestry of love and connection that endures long after we’re gone. So let’s cherish these precious relationships and make the most of our time with our loved ones, for they truly are the ones we can most reliably count on.
© Gracie Snow Howell / Facebook
MaeDell (Taylor) Hawkins is a remarkable woman who has lived a long and eventful life, nearing the age of 99. As the beloved matriarch of six generations, she has endured numerous obstacles and challenges yet remained steadfast in creating the family that stands proudly before her today.
At the tender age of 16, MaeDell embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. She married her beloved grandpa, Bill, a widower with 10 children, after his first wife passed away while giving birth to conjoined twins at home. In a heartbeat, MaeDell found herself taking on the role of a mother to her grandpa’s children and, soon after that, welcoming 13 children of their own.
Despite the joy of expanding their family, life was not easy for MaeDell and her brood. Her husband frequently traveled for work, leaving her to juggle the responsibilities of being a mother to many children. They lived in less-than-ideal conditions, without even the most basic amenities such as running water, a dryer, and a washing machine. The family’s economic situation was dire, and every day was a struggle to make ends meet.
But MaeDell’s resilience and determination to create a loving and nurturing environment for her family never faltered. She embraced her role as a mother to her grandpa’s children and their own, instilling in them the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of family. Her unwavering love and dedication to her family have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping the generations following her.
As she nears her 99th birthday, MaeDell stands as a shining example of what it means to be a true matriarch – one who has overcome immense challenges and obstacles yet remained steadfast in her love and dedication to her family. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide her family for generations.
© Gracie Snow Howell / Facebook
MaeDell fully embraced the life of a housewife, wholeheartedly devoting herself to raising her large family despite the difficult circumstances. Her granddaughter, Gracie, recalls her grandmother’s unwavering determination: “Even though she had a tough life, she never complained. She just got on with things.”
Despite their humble living conditions, MaeDell always managed to provide for her children’s needs without ever complaining. She ingeniously improvised to compensate for the lack of basic amenities, growing and storing most of the family’s food.
As her granddaughter recounts, MaeDell’s day would begin at the crack of dawn, as she rose early to stoke the wood stove, gather eggs, and select a couple of chickens for breakfast before the children left for school. With so many mouths to feed, she did not let the lack of basic amenities hinder her ability to provide a hearty breakfast for her family.
MaeDell’s strength, resilience, and selflessness in the face of adversity are truly remarkable. She exemplifies the qualities of a true mother, rising to the challenge of caring for her family with unwavering devotion and ingenuity. Her legacy inspires all those who face difficult circumstances, demonstrating that one can overcome any obstacle with hard work, determination, and a loving heart.
Her family goes on for 6 generations.
© Courtesy Sheryl Blessing / ABC News
Despite the numerous challenges of raising a large family, MaeDell’s unwavering dedication and perseverance allowed her to create a legacy that spans generations. Her family tree is a testament to her love and commitment to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
According to a family chart meticulously compiled by her daughter-in-law, Janice Taylor, MaeDell currently has 623 descendants. This remarkable family tree boasts an impressive 106 grandchildren, 222 great-grandchildren, 234 great-great-grandchildren, and 37 great-great-great-grandchildren.
To put this incredible family lineage into perspective, it’s like a small village or a large extended family that spans several states. MaeDell’s commitment to building and nurturing her family is truly inspiring, and her descendants continue to carry on her legacy of resilience, strength, and love.
Despite the many challenges she faced, MaeDell’s unwavering devotion to her family allowed her to witness her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and flourish. Her family tree serves as a testament to the incredible impact that a strong, loving matriarch can have on future generations.
She recently had her first meeting with her great-great-great-granddaughter.
© Courtesy Sheryl Blessing / ABC News
Imagine capturing six generations of women in a single photograph. This incredible feat was achieved when Cordelia Mae Hawkins, affectionately known as MaeDell, held her great-great-great-granddaughter, Zhavia Danielle. Recently, Zhavia’s family visited Hawkins at her nursing home, and the moment was captured for eternity.
As her family arrived, MaeDell eagerly anticipated their visit. Her granddaughter, Gracie, reminisced about the heartwarming day, saying, “We planned a day to see grandma, and she was excited. We spent three hours with her.”
MaeDell’s motherly instincts kicked in during their visit when Zhavia grew fussy. Gracie recounts, “MaeDell was so sweet with the baby. When Zhavia got a little fussy, she said, ‘Here, give me that baby.’ It was evident that MaeDell was a natural at comforting and caring for little ones.”
This special moment was a testament to this incredible family’s unbreakable bonds that span generations. MaeDell’s legacy of love and dedication lives on through her descendants, and this unforgettable photograph captured the magic of six generations coming together.
© Jaisline Wilson / Facebook
The Hawkins family has created a remarkable legacy that spans six generations of women. Cordelia Mae Hawkins, fondly known as MaeDell, recently got to hold her great-great-great-granddaughter Zhavia Danielle. This incredibly rare and special moment brought the entire family together.
The all-female gathering celebrated the strong bonds and relationships that MaeDell has built with her family over the years. The fact that all six generations are female is incredibly rare and is a testament to the remarkable women who make up this family.
As MaeDell approaches her 99th birthday on July 19, 2023, her family looks forward to another special moment. They plan to reunite in June to meet her third, sixth-generation grandson. If everything goes according to plan, they will take another picture to commemorate this extraordinary family legacy.
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