Uncovering the Past to discover the Present

As a genealogist, we don't go blindly into uncovering the past. We have at least a few family stories to give us an idea on what we can find. Sometimes the lack of family stories tells us a lot, too. In my case, I haven't found exactly what it's telling me. 

Once in a while, as you dig through the archives of document after document, hint after hint, member activity, etc., you find the present.

I'd already found a wonderful distant cousin and source to bounce ideas off of on my dad's side. I'd be lost without our conversations, not just the ones about genealogy. I think of her as a new found friend, too. The stories she can bring to me from her direct line of ancestors before it merges with mine are priceless. I wouldn't trade this relatively new relationship in for anything. 

That doesn't mean finding new old ones isn't as exciting. It is. Last night on a different side of the family I found my first cousin has the genealogy bug. And that is every bit as exciting as finding a long lost relative who is long gone. This isn't a long lost relative who is gone. This is a relative who is here and who is searching some of the same people I'm searching. And it's exciting to have not only the connection from our childhood, but this connection of tracing our family. 

Not only did I undercover the present through her, I uncovered more of the present when my aunt sent me a message on Facebook. All of my living first cousins on my mom's side of the family are located and I'm connected with them now thanks to genealogy and Facebook. 

This is why we search for the past. To not only find the past, but the present. It's not the goal to have the biggest family, but to take time for all the family. Especially those who are still with us. It doesn't matter if they don't care about genealogy. Our ancestors tie us to each other. But the time we spend together, either in person, or via email or phone calls is what's important. 

I'm so glad that I'm connecting with new found family and reconnecting with family I've always known about, but lost track of. 

To get to the present is just one more reason to dig into the past. 

And today, I'm loving having more family in my life.