The Why

We all begin our genealogy adventure for different reasons. Perhaps a family member gave you the gift of a DNA kit, and now you're inspired to learn more. Or maybe you heard all the family stories as you grew, and wanted to uncover secrets from long ago. For some, there were no stories, only questions, and a deep sense of needing to find where they come from and where they belong. Each adventurer's quest into the past is different and has unique meaning to the individual. In short, we all have a different "why".

Research can be tedious and time consuming. And yet, when you find the one elusive record you've been after...somehow time melts away and it was all worthwhile. Thoughts of genealogy and ancestors may fill you mind...as you go about your day...or maddeningly, as you try to fall asleep. You may find yourself in front of the computer in the middle of the night searching for clues. How many times have you thought "just one more search" or "I'll stop after one more record"? The search for your ancestors (and their many descendants) has become a part of you. Over time, our individual "why" may change and grow into something much deeper, more personal and harder to quantify,

The following two blog posts resonated with me this week. Resonated isn't really an adequate word....they spoke to me would be more accurate. They capture "the why". Summarizing them would be an injustice. If you have a few minutes to spare, they're both well worth the read (or at least a bookmark for a later time).

The Ghost in Your DNA: Why You Feel Connected to Ancestors You’ve Never Met 
From GenealogyExplained, by Marc McDermott 

Walk with Your Ancestors: Peace, Light and Healing in an Abandoned Medieval Village
From DNAeXplained by Roberta Estes 

For those of us who discover we have a true passion for family history, the journey may take on a much deeper meaning. The past intricately intertwines and becomes a part of our present. Our ancestors whisper in our minds. We talk to them, and in turn, they walk with us, and in us, as we eagerly accept the responsibility of bringing them back to life, and ensuring they are not forgotten.

Image by akbaranifsolo from Pixabay