why

A genealogist travels a solitary path into the past, and
makes connections with those who are gone and can only
speak through memories and records. You may think it
strange I say the travel is solitary when many family
members contribute information, leads, photos and
information. However, I do not think anyone in any
family can connect to the past like the one who is on the
frontline of the research.
I dream of these people, wonder why, and see our
children in their photos. I share a level of love which is
sometimes deeper than the actual blood ties. They are
my family. They are my partners in an abandoned
graveyard, a lonely research room and a companion late
at night on the internet. As a family genealogist I want
to do them justice, want to make them proud, and only
wish in the solitary hours before dawn they are proud of
the accomplishments our generation. I also wish for a
secret meeting with the past, to question our forefathers
about details of their lives and look for affirmation in
their eyes of our future paths. I hope you will swiftly
correct any errors and forgive the occasional laps in
emotional control; you are viewing my best effort to
honor their memory.
This site is dedicated to the past and simultaneously to
the future. Everything from the background on these
web pages to the music was chosen with precision and
care. It reflects my deepest attachment to our shared
heritage. These pages represent not only my journey into
our past but, a gift to my son. This, my baby boy is your
heritage, a past sometimes fraught with difficulty and
pain, but tis' yours to keep and cherish. You are the
single best thing which has happened to me, and my
contribution to our families' heritage. Stay safe and
grow strong in the legacy which is yours.
This journey has sometimes been frustrating, but more
frequently has yielded an emotional response beyond my
understanding. As I have viewed the grave of a long
sought after ancestor directly or indirectly related to
me, an intense emotion sweeps over me like a pilgrim on
a scared journey. It is a feeling only a chosen few have
been privileged to share.
Finally, the majority ancestors on this site are not of
my direct blood line, but they are mine none the less.
Please treat them with the respect and honor they
deserve for they are our past, present and future selves.

Thank you for allowing me into your family and helping
me contribute to our past and future.

Robyn