Good morning, everybody! I hope you’re all having a great week so far. Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s close to my heart – family history, our DNA, and the significance of preserving our ancestral traditions.
I firmly believe that, in some way, we are all connected. If we trace our lineage back to Adam and Eve, we are part of one enormous family tree. However, what I’d like to emphasize today is the importance of understanding our family history and passing down cherished traditions.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget the customs and practices that have shaped our families for generations. It could be a beloved family recipe, a particular craft, a unique style of music or dance. These are the threads that weave together the fabric of our heritage, and they deserve to be preserved.
For those like my maternal grandmother, who was adopted, the journey to uncovering one’s family history can be an arduous one. I’ve spent over two decades trying to uncover her roots, searching for clues about her biological parents. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, from frustration to moments of sheer joy. But my goal remains the same – to solve the mystery of her past. I know her family goes back to Switzerland.
I’ve often wondered why my grandmother chose not to discuss her adoption information to us. I mean we knew she was adopted but she refused to talk about her parents. Did it bring up painful memories, or was she too young to remember the circumstances that led her to an orphanage in early 1900s in Cleveland? Sadly, she took those secrets with her when she passed away. I respect her silence but long to uncover the story of her origins.
I’ve reached out to institutions like BeechBrook, which now holds records of the old Cleveland Protestant Orphanage Asylum. Without knowledge of her birth name, I’ve hit a roadblock in obtaining her adoption records. The journey continues, but the mystery remains unsolved. I find many courts (probate) don’t like to reveal information, but let’s be real my grandmother was born in 1902 passed in 1996. I’m sure someone could help me.
Despite this challenge, I’ve found solace and purpose in reconnecting with my dads Croatian heritage.
My dads family hails from Croatia, the former Yugoslavia, and I recall the music that filled our kitchen on Sundays when I was a child. Back then, it was an annoyance, but today, I blast that same music with pride. I’ve learned treasured recipes and started writing a book to ensure future generations can savor our culinary heritage. I’ve even reconnected with family in Croatia, uncovering a fascinating Croatian background.
I want to stress the importance of family traditions and discovering our heritage. We need to take time today to talk to our parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts cousins.
We must learn about our ancestors’ struggles and triumphs to truly appreciate who we are today. Our roots are our foundation, and by embracing them, we find a profound sense of belonging and pride.
I’d like to leave you with a positive quote on family and tradition: “In every conceivable manner, the family is a link to our past, bridge to our future.” – Alex Haley
And a Bible verse on family: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” – Exodus 20:12
I hope you all have a blessed day, and I look forward to sharing more about my Croatian heritage in a future post. Until then, cherish your family traditions and the stories that connect us through time.
Joyful-Echoes 