Thankful Genealogist

If you can't tell that this image was Ai generated, you aren't looking close enough ;-)

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and reflection. In the modern era, its meaning has often been overshadowed by debates about its historical roots—roots tied to the creation of a nation. A nation that has made mistakes and caused harm, but also one that has learned valuable lessons along the way. While there is still much to learn, we shouldn’t lose sight of those lessons amid the polarization of cancel culture and the whitewashing of history. Today, we celebrate one of those lessons: the importance of taking a moment to appreciate what we have, reflect on what we’ve endured, and look forward with hope.

I am deeply thankful for the freedom to express my thoughts and opinions openly. I am grateful for friends who challenge my perspectives and help me grow, even when I hold firm to my convictions. Their love and respect remind me that differing opinions can strengthen bonds rather than break them.

I am endlessly thankful for my husband, who has grown to understand my passion for genealogy. He gives me the time and space to dive into my research, and his unwavering support makes this journey even more meaningful. He is an amazing man, and I cannot imagine life without him.

I am thankful for my children. Though they are grown, seeing them spread their wings fills my heart with pride and joy. I’m also grateful for the wonderful young woman one of my sons brought into our family—she has given me the gift of another daughter to love.

I am grateful for the genealogy community, which continues to support and inspire my passion. And I’m thankful for the tools of modern technology, including AI, which help me research and organize with greater efficiency. Balancing my passion with a full-time job isn’t easy, but these tools are helping me take steps toward writing my first book, and for that, I am truly grateful.

I would be remiss, if I didn't recognize all the ancestors, good, bad, and ugly that have contributed to who I am today. Thank you for enduring hardships, persecution, feast, famine, love, and loyalty that has brought us all to this point in history.

Above all, I am thankful for the love and health that surround me, giving me the strength to continue this journey of discovery. Writing the stories of my ancestors and sharing their lives with all of you is a privilege I deeply cherish. Your loyalty and encouragement fuel my passion, and for that, I thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers. May your day be filled with gratitude, love, and hope for the future.