What is our purpose? What will be our legacy? We are only a
pin prick in the universe. Will anyone know your name in a hundred years? Ten years?
Genealogy is about telling our ancestor’s stories because these stories give
our soul direction, a base from where we make decisions. By recording their
stories, we leave behind our legacy. In making others significant, we are
significant. My purpose is to leave behind some of their stories.
When we go back in time, we realize that no one lives a life in vain. Everyone has a purpose. I am fascinated with the stories of my ancestors and their legacies, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Learning about them and finding my family connection is far more interesting than perusing Facebook to see the glamor shots that people create for themselves. It is within our family roots that we discover who we are. Family connections are one of the most important things in life. I’ve always been fascinated with the thought that I am who I am because of those who have gone before me. I'm here because of their sacrifices, and it is here that I hope to give meaning to their lives.
On this journey of researching my heritage, I realize how my ancestor's lives were intertwined with the history of this great nation. I feel my strong American ties, and for the most part, I'm a true southern girl. It will be an honor and a privilege to share their stories. It is from these stories that I build my own existence. I will try to do them justice in telling their stories. My mother often said, “Things don’t happen in a vacuum.” She was right. With everything that happens, there is a ripple effect.
Do we make mistakes in family research? Sure, we do, so I will never claim that what lies among my research is the final truth. I’ve done a lot of digging, striving to prove that what I’ve pieced together is true, but over time, I have realized that some of the puzzle pieces remain to be found.
As all genealogists, I realize that most people are not interested in their very own deep family connections. I'm a bit baffled by that, but there will be someone somewhere along the way that will pick up the banner and carry it forward. It is for those folks that I find it imperative to leave behind these stories. Hopefully, it will serve a purpose in not only preserving history, but also our family connections.
