Hawkins Wilson, a Texas freedman, was sold away from Virginia as a young boy. Time and distance did not dim his memories of childhood family and friends nor his emotional connection to them. Twenty-four years later, he wrote to his "dearest relatives" through the Freedman's Bureau, introducing himself to them, not as the boy they had known but as the man he had become. His letters, forwarded to the bureau agent in Caroline County, Virginia, remain in whole files, suggesting that Wilson's kinfolk were never found. Until one of them started a family tree on Ancestry.  And then - 155 years later – Hawkins Wilson's letters finally reached his descendants. For Kelley Dixon-Teeler and her mother, Alva Marie Jenkins, the letters of their ancestor have inspired perseverance and helped make sense of a journey of faith. Together, they share their hopes for the future, emphasizing the importance of family unity and ensuring Hawkins Wilson’s legacy continues to inspire and connect generations.Watch the film:A Dream Delivered:  The Lost Letters of Hawkins WilsonVisit Kelley's website to learn more about honoring the past, preserving the legacy and forging a brighter future:Hawkins Wilson Legacy_______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.