I have gotten a lot of questions from people once they find out that there is a 24 (almost 25!) year old obsessed with genealogy. Let's face it, most of us who caught the genie bug are much older than 24. The main question I get is "What got you into this?". Such a simple answer comes with quite an interesting story- thus the rest of my family tree! I simply wanted to know where I came from.
I grew up not knowing many people from my dad's side of the family. There was a reason for that and as I dug deeper and deeper I began to find out why. Many many dark secrets start to come out of the woodwork... I remember a stranger telling me to be careful- what I find will not please many people. A lot of skeletons get excavated amidst the rubble that is our relative's pasts. The damage was done years ago and the ripples felt even through to today. If not careful, it could cause more damage.
I feel that anyone who dives into genealogy must be prepared for anything- good and bad. To know who you are is to know where you came from. Parts of my family are a mess- quite literally. Generations of fighting relatives, torn apart for various reason- neither one really worth it. It is still that way, it hasn't changed much.
I feel I understand members of my family better. I also have a better relationship with my dad because of the work we are doing together on this project. I also have a new, stronger sense of pride when I say " I know where I came from, and I will never forget it!".
Monday, October 18, 2010
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2 comments:
That is the very reason I started. I was not raised by my family and wanted to know where I came from. Doing this has been a wonderful experience for me.
Welcome to the genie bug! its addicting once you get that small bit of info that is something you have never known before. I have a natural tendency to be a bit nosey so it's nice to have something to put it to good use! ;)
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