About this time last year, I received the most wonderful unexpected gift in my mailbox! It was a brooch belonging to my paternal great-grandmother (Rachel Derr, 1866-1953). My 2nd cousin generously and graciously gifted it to me!
While my father knew his grandmother, I was born 15 years after her death. I never heard anything about her until I started my genealogy journey. Thankfully, my cousin (via conversations with her mother and family photos) has shared precious memories of Rachel with me. In turn, I wrote them down and, with permission, shared them in my tree. It's my hope they'll help others gain just a wee bit of insight into Rachel, and will help keep her memory alive. After all, were it not for her - I wouldn't be here!
Although I never knew her, I like to believe tiny specks of her DNA still survive on the brooch. I like to think when I hold it, I'm somehow connecting directly with her energy. As I look at it, I'm seeing the same beauty she saw. I can't say for sure how old the piece is. She could have had it for decades, or merely for a few months. There's no way for me to know. But clearly, if she still had it at the time she passed, she must have had some attachment to it. I personally will treasure it forever, and will pass it on to my son one day.
As Thanksgiving nears, I'm reminded how grateful I am for each and every one my ancestors and extended family. I'm just now beginning to trace back far enough to uncover my roots across the ocean. There are undoubtedly many stories, family members and connections yet to be discovered. Some of my ancestors left their homelands and travelled to a new country and a new life. No matter where they lived or settled, they faced challenges and worked incredibly hard. Many bravely fought for freedom, here and abroad. Others found a measure of success in life. They raised families, lost loved ones, but still pursued their dreams. Some, have sadly been lost to time and may or may not be revealed as I pull at the threads of time, hint by hint, record by record.
Our ancestors remain in each and every one of us. We may not have known them. We may not notice the influence they have on us. But deep inside our DNA, we carry them with us through each step of our lives. And we in turn can pass them on to future generations.
I'm equally as thankful for YOU! The encouragement and comments from my readers are an important part of my genealogy journey. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!!
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