This first contact captures a deeply affectionate reconnection centered on memory, gratitude, and shared family values. Janet Welsh, a first cousin through the Lucas family, responded to a single photograph with an outpouring of remembrance—opening the door to collaboration, fact-checking, and long-term stewardship of her parents’ life stories.
At a Glance
- First Contact: July 20, 2020
- Primary Surname: Lucas
- Medium: Facebook Messenger, email
- Role in Project: Emotional witness; parental fact reviewer; connector to Lucas cousins
Correspondence Log
Contact #1 — July 20, 2020 — Facebook Messenger
John Elcik:
Janet, this one is just for you!
Janet Welsh:
Oh, John ❤️❤️❤️! You have no idea how much this picture means. I’ve never seen anything like this. I miss my parents so very much.
John Elcik:
Me too. Both your and Jack’s parents were special to all three of us Elcik boys.
Janet Welsh:
My immediate family was and still is so valued. We’ve remained very close. Our dad was always saying, “Stay close, help each other out.” My parents were both very hard workers—nose to the grindstone, never complaining. I don’t know how they managed what they did. I have tremendous respect for both of them and miss them to this very day.
John Elcik:
I remember the big house and how hard your parents worked. I’ve always told my wife and children that I admired the opportunity you had for multiple generations to live together.
Janet Welsh:
Our former home is now a B&B called Chapman Cottage. Many, many fun memories were had there. Moving from Lisbon Falls was tough initially, but absolutely the best thing for all of us.
Contact #2 — July 20, 2020 — Life Updates
The conversation naturally expanded to present-day life: shared time between Maine and Florida, family members living in The Villages, the joy of golf-cart living, pandemic uncertainties, faith, and resilience. The exchange closed with mutual warmth, humor, and gratitude.
Contact #3 — July 22–23, 2020 — Collaboration Begins
John Elcik:
Would you be willing to review what I have on your parents? The final documents are something I think you will cherish—and I get the satisfaction of knowing I got their life stories right.
Janet Welsh:
That sounds wonderful!! Thank you so much ❤️. My email is janw@maine.rr.com.
Janet accepted an invitation to review LifeStory and Fact documents for both parents and to access the broader family tree. She also offered to reconnect John with another Lucas cousin, Keri, extending the project’s reach.
Contact #4 — Light Moments & Continuity
The exchange closed with everyday life: puppies, older dogs, weather, training mishaps, encouragement, and humor—reinforcing that genealogy is sustained not only by documents, but by ongoing human connection.
Why This Contact Mattered
Janet’s response transformed a photograph into a bridge. Her willingness to share memory, affirm values, and formally review her parents’ life records strengthened both the emotional integrity and factual accuracy of the Lucas branch. She also served as a connector, helping re-engage other cousins and ensuring that remembrance becomes collaboration.