Had it not been for what I consider to be the predestined pathway, my participation in the Mellon Research Fellowship, I likely would have never met my Great-Aunt, Evelyn Strouth this side of Heaven. Due to family circumstance, this side of my "Cantrell" lineage has been somewhat estranged. The making of Project Heritage Quilt, however, bridged many gaps; one of my greatest finds -- my then ninety-year-old (Fall of 2021) surprise blessing -- Aunt Evelyn, whom I met at a quilt circle, not by chance nor by coincidence, but by fate. I have learned from her, been inspired by her, and found that our commonalities are many. Having returned to school to finish my degree later in life, my aunt shared with me that she too had desired to attend college, though in her seventies! I will never forget her asking me, "What do you think I studied?" with a big grin on her face. I knew before she replied what her response would be -- but of course -- Art! I feel that I have finally realized just where I really came from, sharing with my newly discovered family, our kindred interests and pursuits. I am forever grateful for this connection and, moreover, this beautiful, kind, and never-ceasing-to-amaze, Aunt Evelyn!

School was not enough for Aunt Evelyn's "Golden Years." She obtained her Associates Degree, stays active in the community, church, and quilting circles. She was named "Queen of Baker's Ridge," her homeplace, and most recently, was featured on the local news channel, as she ventured to zipline at the ripe young age of ninety-one!