In one of the classes, we had to work on a family tree. He didn't care if it was fancy, complete or even accurate. He just wanted us to start work on our family history. I still have that rough "draft" of my early notes and research. It's just hand written notes on lined paper in a 3-ring binder. That was before I got my first computer in the early 1990s and long before the Internet as we know it today. I can’t bring myself to get rid of that binder.
I am thankful to David for that assignment. Yes, I call him David because we went on to be friends. Not close. He and his wife Lois had many, many friends. I went on field trips with David and Lois and I even went on a trip to Egypt, Jordan and Israel with the two of them. That was quite the adventure. Sadly, Lois passed away early last year. As far as I know, David is still alive. I now live across the country from him.
Although I've been working on my family tree for over 30 years, I have taken some long and short breaks. I worked full time, went to school part time, traveled to other countries, had family to visit, and I had hobbies that kept me busy. That early "draft" is a reminder of where I started. I have come a long way since then but, I am in no way an expert. I help friends by researching their family history for free. I am, after all, only an amateur sleuth. As far as the history to still be discovered, I feel that I have a long way to go. I think it is never-ending, and I like it that way. It gives me something to do - in between the many other tings that keep me busy.
PS - I hadn't posted in over a week so I felt the need to write something. Hope to have something with more substance later this week. Today, however, we're putting our 15-year old Border Collie to rest. He's a sweet boy. I'll miss him.
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