The Glue that Holds a Family Together

Barbara (Bobbie) Kellam Ollarvia’s childhood remembrances as a first generation McGee born in New Jersey adds to the vibrancy of this play. It begins with her family’s migration from the Deep South to Trenton, New Jersey in 1946. When Bobbie’s grandmother Lola dies decades later her cherished possessions are found inside a small burlap bag (croaker sack). Letters as meaningful and precious to Lola as her mother’s watch were also in the bag. Surprisingly, the letters are written by the McGee family and friends to Lola’s son Sammie who was stationed in Germany during the Korean War.

Circumstances surrounding the writings reveal much about the life and times of the McGee family. Bobbie’s recent conversations with older relatives fill in more blanks about family history and ways. Bobbie refers to the lasting memories of her grandparents and their children as “afterglows” influencing McGee offspring today in powerful ways. They ignite inspiration, determination, gratefulness, and what Lola referred to as “gumption”, the innate willpower to get things done. The glue, people who held/hold the family together, is understood, revered, and appreciated. Years after the deaths of the core family, the next generations are able to bask in its glow. Old letters saved and prized by Lola were the catalyst showing how essential faith in God and core values is in strengthening a family unit.

Granddaughter of Lola and Willie Dee McGee, Barbara (Bobbie) Kellam Ollarvia is the first in the family to graduate from college. She is an alumna of The College of New Jersey (Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education), and Rutgers University–Camden where she earned a master’s degree in public administration. For nearly thirty years, Barbara enjoyed teaching, and implementing her writing skills during her career in Trenton, and Mount Holly public school systems in New Jersey. A member of Florida Writers Association, Barbara is compiling a book of original short stories, and an anthology of poems. She is co-author of the book “Lola’s Letters”, playwright of “Bind Us Together”, and author of the children’s book “Mommee’s Moo Moo”.