A niblet in the historical records is like a dangling end in a knitted sweater. Once you get a hold of a strand and start pulling, the mysteries begin to unravel, and slowly you can find its relationship within the pattern. My family tree is full of musicians, doctors, preachers, farmers, and war veterans. Part of my family legend is that we are related to Lyndon B. Johnson. I'm trying to discover a connection with Johnny Cash.
Every piece of the puzzle not only reveals more about my family but more about me. Oh, there's DNA, yes, but we are more than DNA. DNA may reveal that I am Scots Irish and that I may have A little Cherokee blood and certainly some other surprises. More importantly though, i have discovered a longing to connect to my past because I value family.
According to Merriiam-Webster, family is "a group of people who are related to each other...including people who lived in the past." However, I propose that "family" is not defined by the name you share, living in the same household or close proximity, having the same blood run through your veins or sharing the same physical features. Family is an invisible bond that strengthens over time; memories shared and relived daily. Genealogy uncovers the past, yes, but it also connects us to those who came before us; it continues their stories. By sharing research about my family, i am telling their story which then becomes mine.
Someone once complained that I spend more time with dead people than I do with the living and sometimes I think that is the case. In my defense, though, I have a lot of stories to catch up on so once in awhile, you will find me right here, hanging out with dead people.
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