In 1976 I began a journey that has taken me to countless cemeteries, courthouses, and libraries. Hours have been spent filling out Family Group Sheets on a 1930s Royal typewriter as well as typing and then retyping outlines (think modern day FTM Descendant Report) when I discovered new info. I can honestly say that if it weren’t for computers I’d never have had the patience and fortitude to compile the information I have.
My Momma was my own personal cheering section. No matter how small my discovery was, she was excited about it. She made copies, took notes, wrote letters, and made phone calls. She often said that she was the bank behind my research because while she couldn’t remember things well enough to do the research herself, she could reap the benefits of my memory and work.
Momma also told me that she believed that my ancestors whispered to me where to find them. I believe in many ways she was right. Countless times I’ve known the road to take that would lead me to a cemetery, the call to make, the record to check, the person to contact. I don’t know if it’s luck, good research skills, or as Momma said, “Whispers from the Past” but I do know that I have been beyond blessed over the years to have been entrusted with many family heirlooms and treasures.
Genealogy is an extremely important part of my life. Knowing the history of my family and how each of my ancestors lived is an integral part of who I am as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt, and cousin. I hope that someday one of my line will pick up where I leave off and continue the story of our lives.
That which is not written, is lost forever.