Teresa McRae

Through DNA I have met a relative I never knew. An older gentleman who is probably a half brother to my father or a first cousin. It has been a joy to get to know him and share this journey of our mutual ancestry. He was also adopted and unfortunately was able to find only very little information on his past. When I had my DNA tested, his name popped up as the closest match. After initial contact, I was able to fill in a number of blanks for him. Because he has done the yDNA test, he has been able to fill in some of my blank areas.

I have been able to put little pieces together from other matches. I confirmed a 2x great grandfather and someone who actually knew my grandfather on my father’s side. I am amazed at how much I’ve been able to learn. I am waiting impatiently for the results of my mtDNA test, which should be available within the next couple of weeks.

I continue to think about my ancestors. Particularly, Daniel Urquhart comes to mind often. I mentioned him in an earlier post. It continues to haunt me at times, not knowing more about them and their lives and only being able to see them through the eyes of my own imaginings. Maybe the details are not important, but I still wish I knew. I have so many questions for them.

I started this blog as a way to connect with my ancestors. I was curious, as I still am, about whether memories can somehow be inherited. Maybe inherited is the wrong word. Possibly sensed in our spirit or subconscious mind. If we can pass down looks, likes, personalities, etc.. in our DNA, why not a sense or a feel for a place or a thing that strikes us for no apparent reason. I think of it as a jolt in my spirit; an echo in my bones that resonates somehow with images of the past. Not my past, but theirs.

I so enjoy knowing who and where I came from. It was not something I ever thought I would know. It has been a partial completion for me. There is more but a void has been filled.