For Christmas Melissa bought me a DNA kit from Ancestry. I have wanted one for years now. I have wanted to know more about my family history ever since I read an article that said there were only 700 Whittier families remaining in the world. I wanted to preserve my history before Whittier's became extinct like the dinosaurs, McDonald’s pizzas, and the Maple Leafs’ Stanley Cup parade! It turns out, however, that article was grossly inaccurate.
Before I ever collected my saliva in a tube and shipped it off to Ireland, I have been fascinated in learning more about my genetic makeup. I have found online copies of several of my grandparents' marriage certificates, as well as different documents connected with Melissa’s ancestors. For example, I share a common ancestor with a prominent New Brunswick family that I may, or may not, be employed by. To date I have not brought this information to their attention!
I have a connection with Mary, Queen of Scots as well. Yes, he was her caretaker while she was a child BUT one of his granddaughters was one of her ladies in waiting, as well as one of her bride’s maids. Exciting? Yes, but it’s not something I want to lose my head over!
It has been a fun time looking back. With each new branch on the ever-growing family tree comes a new sense of awe for me. Each new name added makes me wonder what this person was like. Did they have green eyes like me? What was their life like? What did they sound like? Would we have anything in common? Did they ever think about the legacy they were leaving behind for future generations?
I made of small pieces of every ancestor that has gone before me, but I live my life not for my ancestors but for my descendants. Who I am is more than the combination of genetic material I received from my mother and father. My life has also been shaped by the relationships I have with other people along the way, relative or not!
When my life is over, I would like to be remembered as a caring person more than a guy with brown hair. I want people to miss my sense of humour more than my eye colour. I want to be known as a man that loved God, adored his wife, cared for his children and left and impact on his family and friends. I want people to be better because they knew me because I have been made better for knowing every one of you!
In a few days I will receive my Ancestry DNA results. I’m sure it will tell me that I’m about as white as vanilla ice cream, and I’m okay with that. As I continue to dig into my family roots perhaps, I’ll learn that my ancestors were nobility, Vikings, or Maple Leaf fans? No matter what the outcome, I will continue to work on making me a better version.
Like the DNA test, I am a work in progress. My life isn’t over yet, and neither is yours. The best way to have an impact on your descendants is to make an impact on others around you today!
You will definitely be remembered as a caring person, and I didn’t know you had green eyes anyway 😀. You will also be known for helping bring people to God, me for one.
ReplyDeleteLoved this! And you called it 😂 White as vanilla ice cream LOL
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