My abuela arrived last week from Puerto Rico for her annual spring visit. It is so lovely to have her around that I wish she would just stay. Although that would make life easier for all who love her, we know she will never leave her home, her sisters, her fruit trees, her land... I can't say that I don't understand why.
Her first night here, we went right on to my mom's laptop and began to show her all of the documents I have accumluated. I wasn't sure if she would understand how I got them or if they were legit. Turned out, she didn't ask one question, she began pouring over them, asking for the next! After 7 or 8 it was late because everyone began telling stories bewteen documents about people she has long forgotton. We discovered that her great-grandfather never wore shoes but once a year and we laughed and laughed because my daughter would do the same if she were allowed. By the end of the night she made me promise that I would print out every document so she could take them back to share with her many sisters. I was so excited that that SHE was so excited! As a genealogist, it's what I live for - making others feel a connection to the past. After my promise to her, she promised me that she would take the DNA test along with my mom so that I could have more information to work with in tracing our ancestors. By Friday, the tests had been ordered and now the waiting game begins. I am 2 steps closer...
Her first night here, we went right on to my mom's laptop and began to show her all of the documents I have accumluated. I wasn't sure if she would understand how I got them or if they were legit. Turned out, she didn't ask one question, she began pouring over them, asking for the next! After 7 or 8 it was late because everyone began telling stories bewteen documents about people she has long forgotton. We discovered that her great-grandfather never wore shoes but once a year and we laughed and laughed because my daughter would do the same if she were allowed. By the end of the night she made me promise that I would print out every document so she could take them back to share with her many sisters. I was so excited that that SHE was so excited! As a genealogist, it's what I live for - making others feel a connection to the past. After my promise to her, she promised me that she would take the DNA test along with my mom so that I could have more information to work with in tracing our ancestors. By Friday, the tests had been ordered and now the waiting game begins. I am 2 steps closer...