Dear Prudence,
Last year, a cousin contacted me out of the blue while I was doing genealogical research. We exchanged addresses, emails, pictures, and documents, helping me to break down the brick wall I’d run into and trace our family all the way back. I eagerly told my family about this new cousin, and they were excited to see the family pictures she sent. I suggested that we get together so we could exchange stories and she could meet everyone. She replied and suggested to try this summer. I sent emails trying to coordinate time, place (she lives in another state), and whose hometown. No reply. A few months ago, all communication stopped. I sent her emails asking if she was OK, what was going on, and if she still wanted to keep communicating. Silence. I’ve never had this experience before in meeting new relatives, only to have them disappear. Was I “ghosted” by a relative?