Here’s the Thing About Family…
They grow, they change, and eventually… they leave.
And when the older generation passes on, they often leave behind questions that the younger ones are left to answer:
“Where did we come from?”
“What are we made of?”
“Why do we all look so different?”
That’s where I am with my family right now—somewhere between curious, motivated, and a little overwhelmed. But I’ve made it my goal to explore it all.
Why I Want to Know Where I Come From
Everyone has their own reason for looking into their family history.
Mine? It’s personal.
I want to learn more about:
- Genetics – especially as the only person in my family living with Sickle Cell
- Health history – because knowing can mean prevention
- Property and inheritance – like land back home in St. Lucia
- And of course… to connect with cousins I don’t even know exist
My family is a beautiful mosaic of shapes, skin tones, hair textures, and personalities. We are a rainbow of melanin and mystery—and it’s time I start digging into our roots.
Starting From the Last Branch
My cousin recently had the privilege of speaking to our last living great-grand—a 93-year-old man full of memory, stories, and wisdom. He shared details about his deceased siblings and gave us the foundation to start building our family tree.
We decided: this is our 2020 goal.
“Start from where you are, with what you have.”
That’s exactly what we’re doing.
A Personal Twist: Sickle Cell & Generational Trauma
As I’ve shared in my past blogs, I live with Sickle Cell Disease—a painful, incurable condition. And while many only understand the surface, few know the origin story.
The theory is that long ago, Africans were vaccinated to build immunity against malaria. And while that protection was passed down genetically, what scientists didn’t expect was the mutation that happens when two vaccinated individuals have children.
And so, Sickle Cell was born.
It prevents malaria, yes—but also causes lifelong pain and medical trauma, especially for those like me, now far removed from the original purpose.
Online Tools vs. Family Conversations
Sure, I could sign up for genealogy websites like:
And maybe I will. But there’s something special about rattling old memories, calling up cousins, and dusting off family Bibles.
That’s where the soul of this search lives.
Facebook Limbo & Stranger Requests
Let me just say—don’t friend request me just because we share a last name. I don’t know you, and in today’s world, trust is earned. I have a whole section in my digital space called Facebook Limbo—where requests go to wait… or die. Until further verification, of course. 😏
I need lineage, not just DMs. I’m investigating roots—not random connections.
The Mystery of Inheritance & DNA Surprises
Let’s talk land.
My family owns acres of land in St. Lucia, but with no one actively claiming or managing it, it’s at risk of falling into the hands of the government or opportunistic outsiders. That’s why this research matters—not just for memories, but for legacy.
And speaking of surprises…
I have a cousin born albino with blue eyes. At first, everyone was confused—until we found out our great-great-great-grandmother was albino with blue eyes and white hair.
Can you say GENETIC PLOT TWIST?
Every Family Has A Story—This Is Ours
Personalities, talents, health conditions, eye colors, skin tones, attitudes—all passed down. Our family isn’t just made of blood and genes. We’re made of stories, struggles, and grace.
So here begins my ancestry adventure—to learn, to share, and maybe… to find family I never knew I had.
✨ Stay Tuned:
I’ll be posting updates as we build the tree and uncover the branches we forgot existed.
GOALS 2020 VISION! 👀🌳
💭 Let’s Reflect:
- What does your family tree look like?
- Have you ever explored your ancestry?
- What would you want to know if you started?
Share your story, tips, or genealogy wins with me—I’m listening.
#FamilyTreeGoals #SickleCellAndFamily #StLuciaRoots #BlackAncestry #DNAJourney #MelaninMysteries #2020Vision #ChristianBloggingLive
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