I’ve been involved in genealogy for about seven years now. I’ve always been somewhat interested in my roots. I remember asking my grandparents questions about where they came from, what life was like, etc. I sure wish I had taken notes, as I’m sure I’ve forgotten a lot of it. Still, I do have a sense of “where I’m from,” so to speak. And a great respect for what my parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents went through in the past to get me to where I am today.
The one thing that really propelled me into a more formal search for roots was a series of family tree charts that my Mom’s cousin, Sonja, prepared for my grandparents’ 50th wedding anniversary, way back in 1969. I used that data to begin my family tree.
Now, over the years, I have “met” a few extended family members and relatives of relatives via the Internet. And I’ve become involved in a great group of people called the “History Buffs”–we all have roots in some way to Clark County, WI, and spend a lot of time on our web site posting information, pictures, documents, obituaries, tombstone photos, family information, history, and the like. It is a great group and working with it helps me appreciate and stay in touch with my roots and only increases my respect and admiration for all my ancestors went through.
Perhaps this is more fitting for a memoria day post, but then again, I think we should always respect our ancestors and remember them constantly.