On the Trail of Family History

Okay, so here I am on the trail of family history. It's something that's always interested me, but recently it's turned into an obsession. I lost my dad almost five years ago, and I wish he could be here to see all the things I've learned. Of course, I wouldn't be here without the help of others, so I want to thank all the people who have helped me in this journey, and continue to help me.

One of the best things to come out of this search is reconnecting with family. Living in North Carolina I never had much contact with my dad's family, and I've always regretted it. But things are changing for me now, and I'm very happy about it.

I don't know if I can explain what drives me in this endeavor. I find myself thinking about my ancestors a lot and wondering what they were really like. I often wish I could go back in time and meet them, speak to them, and see how they lived. It's good to know where I come from, and I'm proud of my history. I keep thinking of the song "The Voice" sang by Lisa Kelly from Celtic Woman. I've been listening to it a lot recently. It seems to sum up all of my feelings.

The Voice

I hear your voice on the wind

And I hear you call out my name

"Listen, my child," you say to me"I am the voice of your history

Be not afraid, come follow me

Answer my call, and I'll set you free"

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain

I am the voice of your hunger and pain

I am the voice that always is calling you

I am the voice, I will remain

I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone

The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow

Ne'er do I sleep thoughout all the cold winter long

I am the force that in springtime will grow

I am the voice of the past that will always be

Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields

I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace

Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain

I am the voice of your hunger and pain

I am the voice that always is calling you

I am the voice

I am the voice of the past that will always be

I am the voice of your hunger and pain

I am the voice of the future

I am the voice, I am the voice

I am the voice, I am the voice

It's like a voice calling to me, asking me to preserve the past so that future generations will know where they've come from, know what drives them, what makes them who they are.

Right now I've found about as much as I can find. It doesn't stop me from wanting to know more though. I can barely remember the things my dad told me about my grandfather and grandmother, and it troubles me that those memories have slipped away from me. How many people remain who can tell me what they were like? I often feel awkward in asking questions. Could there be things I'm not meant to know? These things weigh heavily on my mind.

Right now I'm obsessed with the pursuit of old family photos. I look at the faces of my ancestors, hoping to see something of mysef in them. It's a remarkable experience. I am eternally grateful to the people who are helping me fulfill this dream of collecting as many old photos as possible.

As I find more I will keep you all posted.

The picture shown here is Mary Harmon Lynch, the youngest daughter of William Lynch Jr. She was also called Molly.

Thanks!