My dad's dad diligently worked for decades to collect names for our family tree. He had to do genealogy the old fashioned way - talking to people and writing letters - but he was very successful. Grandpa Rains was so effective in his efforts that most of my extended family were lulled into thinking that all the family history work was done and we could sit back and enjoy.
However, about a decade ago I started feeling like I needed to do my part. Of course I had no idea where to start. But once I slowly got the wheel going it went faster and faster and there are times I am downright obsessed and my kids eat cold cereal for breakfast.
I love jigsaw puzzles. My Grandpa Rains loved them too. I think that's why both of us love genealogy too - it's finding the pieces and linking them together - that's the reward!
If I can help others develop a love and appreciation for genealogy than it will be an added bonus. Hopefully in this blog I can share a few tidbits that can help decode or rather un-puzzle genealogy.
