My love for Genealogy actually began in Middle School. It started with an 8th Grade History Project in 1982. We were given an assignment that included compiling a Family Group Sheet. I remember sitting down with my parents and asking them all sorts of questions regarding our family. I had never before asked these type questions. It was then that my love for Genealogy began. I wrote to Libraries and Genealogical Societies gathering as much information as I could. I did not have access to a computer in my home until the early 1990`s. Once I had my first computer, I stumbled upon the Ancestry website.I jumped right in and got my feet wet so to speak. I learned as I went. Ive made a few mistakes along the way as I am sure we all have. It is a part of learning and growth.
Today I am very careful about citing my sources and checking and double checking. I rule out any possible conclusions to see what I am left with. In the late 90s, I added DNA testing to my Genealogy research. It is my firm belief that if you want to do Genealogy and do it right, you will add DNA testing to your bag of tricks. I have proven and disproven so many lines using my DNA results coupled with standard Genealogical research. As they say, DNA does not lie. I feel as though the answers to all of my past lies within my own DNA. If you are willing to spend the time to research your family, adding DNA just gives you the best possible chance of finding them. I sometimes feel as though my Ancestors speak to me through my DNA findings, as if to say; "Here I am, I have been right here all along waiting on you to find me". If you think about it, your ancestors are never really dead. A part of them lives on in your DNA, so in essence they are still alive through you. I encourage you if you are thinking of doing DNA testing to go ahead and take the plunge. I would be lying if I said, it was an easy fix and that your are going to find your ancestors immediately. Unfortunately this is not Microwave Genealogy. It takes hard work, and hours of research, even with your DNA results in hand. Genealogy has been one of the most rewarding things that I have ever done in my lifetime. I wish you all the best with your own research. If we connect, Id love to hear from you! You can contact me by clicking on the Contact Me page across the top of this blog.