Joining the conversation

Have you ever walked into a meeting or class that had already started? 

Or got kicked off a zoom call? 

Or started to respond and everyone looks at you, expectant and yet like you are crazy? 

We’ve all been there. It’s uncomfortable. We may be trying to impress a boss, or share an opinion or just not look like we are as clueless as we might seem… sound familiar?

When I asked my husband- “what about family history do you find hard?” His answer surprised me but also re-directed my efforts. He said there’s a conversation that’s been going on forever and I’m just stepping into it.

And he is so right! Most of us have a great aunt or grandmother or nephew or brother who is the family historian. Some have actual family boards or councils where any changes have to be written out and petitioned before being allowed to touch the elusive family tree. That would definitely intimidate me. I have a grandma and an aunt who mostly handle one side of the history and another aunt who keeps track of the other side of the family. I didn’t feel particularly close to any of them and wasn’t going to ask for help… I was worried they might get upset if I touched or changed anything. 

I was too worried I’d make a mistake.  And I DID! I once married myself to my 3rd great grandfather in my intro family history class, and right as the computer spit out that result, my teacher glanced slyly over my shoulder. I was mortified! (Face palm)

The gatekeepers really do have the best interest of the flock and hope you can learn the basics before you fly so you will find your own success. Whether you are a gatekeeper or a fledgling chick, be kind. Help eachother out, we all make mistakes, it’s what happens after that makes all the difference.