I think it is time for me to add something that is not so politically heavy. I get drawn into what is happening beyond my borders and I don’t like what I am reading. I am not surprised. But I am disappointed. Politics, power and religion are the same – all wanting more control. And it appears that this control is getting out of control. That is one reason all my life I have stayed away from any political or religious agenda. It scares me. Except of course on the light side – The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster!! So time to step away……
For years I have wanted to delve into my family history but have never put aside any time to research. I was born in England and records can be traced way way back in time. Bristol, where I was born is rich in history and was a major trading port to the “New World” . Do pirates dome to mind?! What secrets will I discover?
My father never ever spoke of his family. I only knew my Grandmother and nothing, nothing beyond that. My Grandfather died in his sleep way before I was born and from the few tales, he was a bit of a drinker. Grandma never remarried and ran a boarding house in Bristol until it became too much for her. She was strict and would not put up with any nonsense. Bringing up three kids in the 30′s on her own must have been difficult. She did send her eldest son to live with his grandparents in the north of England due to him using “foul” language. The house was sold and she then lived with her daughter until her death.   Occasionally Dad would throw snippets of his family but never elaborate. He mentioned once or maybe twice that his father’s side (I think) was Irish. That his distant relative made a living by singing in the local pubs ….. now how much of that is true or just a fabric of his imagination, I don’t know and it is now up to me to find out.
My mother speaks more openly about her family although now everything is a little vague in her memory. She knows that her mum was born from parents who owned a hotel in York and she says that is why her mum never ever did anything around the house because it was always done for her!!
One night last week I “googled” my father’s name out of curiosity and boredom. There, right there on the first page, his name appeared in a thread from RootsChat. Who else would be looking for my Dad, I thought? Well it turned out that is was not my Dad but my Grandfather’s name. A lady was looking for her Great Great Grandmother and my Grandmother’s name was there. I could not believe it! I now know that my Grandmother had a sister. Now I am in touch with a distant cousin! How amazing is that? All within a matter of days.
I am very excited about the journey that I am about to embark on. I have only just started and look where I am! I have also only just begun to look at what information RootsChat can provide and it’s looking good. I’ll keep you posted!
Four Generations
