Carol Young Genealogy
Family History Researcher
“What are the chances” Part II
Short recap: While trying to help a stranger from Ireland locate what happened to his great uncle after he immigrated to the United States, I discover we are related.
My first thought was, how do I send Brendan (the Irish man) this information and not sound like a complete nutcase? The email said, “Brendan, great news! Enlarged your uncle’s passenger list and now can read his actual destination in New Jersey. Also, he planned to live his half sister,” and I pressed send. He responded immediately, excited and astonished that his dad had not looked closer at the passenger list. The second email, “I know that woman’s name, she was my great grandfather’s sister.” “You understand this means your great uncle was the half brother of my great grandfather.”
What occurred next was a whirlwind of activity between us. I could feel Brendan’s sense of peace that he had fulfilled his father’s wish. He learned where the uncle settled, confirmed he had been a police officer and lived a good life in America, I felt great for him. Inside I wondered, how could this police officer have lived in my hometown and no one EVER mentioned that we were related? Then, I remember something my mother had said to me years ago, “all the Irish in this town are somehow related.” What are the chances?
About two months later, I receive an email from Brendan to inform me that he had a business trip to Seattle the next week. He wanted to take a side trip to New Jersey and wondered if I would be available. I didn’t even think before I replied, “Yes, let me know when you will be here.” I suggested that we meet in front of the Catholic Church where our ancestors had worshiped.
Beyond excitement was how I felt. However, friends and family voiced loudly, “Are you crazy?” “So you are going to meet a complete stranger that you talk to on the computer?” “What happens if this guy made the whole thing up?” There was a little voice in my head that kept telling me it would be fine.
While I waited in my car for Brendan, my cell rang and a voice stated, “This is the town’s police department. We heard that you are to meet someone, hit redial and a car will appear within five seconds.” I responded, “Thanks, will do.” Now I began to get nervous, what if my intuition was incorrect. Preoccupied, I didn’t notice a car had pulled in front of me until I saw the door begin to open.
In the same moment, we got out of our vehicles looked at one another and I knew deep in my soul, he is my family. The handshake became a hug and a flood of chatter ensued between us. I had done quite a bit of research and planned the entire day for us. We would begin in the churches rectory to let them know we would be wandering around the cemetery.
As we walked into the cemetery, my sister called my cell, “Is he there?” “Are you okay?” I replied, “Yes, he is and yes, I am.” I hung up, embarrassed by what he heard and tried to explain. He smiled, dialed a number on his cell and handed me it. On the other end was a woman’s voice who said in an Irish brogue, “Hello, this is Brendan’s wife and I was concerned that he was meeting a stranger.” “This has been difficult for us so far away, but he knew in his heart that it would be fine.” I looked into his eyes and said to his wife, “I understand completely and we are both fine.”
We looked at each other and said, “What are the chances?”
What Are the Chances, Part III will give our experience within the town.
Lives Long Lost Feedback
I have known I was adopted since birth but never had a curiosity about my birth family.
When the state of New Jersey unsealed birth certificates I was 68 years old and realized it was about time I looked at my birth certificate. I got the certificate and it contained pertinent birth information including my birth mother’s name and her address at the time of my birth. I contacted Sharon who I knew worked on genealogy . What I had hoped at the time was that just maybe I would find out the type of life my birth mother had lived. I had been put on a path by this woman that gave me a full, happy and loving life (not without its peaks and valleys). I was hoping she had a good life.
Within a short period of time, Sharon was able to find a member of the family my birth mother had worked for at the time of my birth. She was able and more than willing to tell me what a lovely person she was and the type of life she had led. I was thrilled beyond belief that after 68 years and no knowledge of my history, Sharon was able to put this information in my lap.
Then came another turn! Through Sharon’s efforts she was able to find birth family members, starting with a 3rd cousin and then eventually turning up 12 first cousins! When a scheduled trip to Ireland was mentioned these family members (all of whom reside in Ireland) requested that we meet. At age 69 I walked into a room and was surrounded by family who I resembled. I cannot say how this experience has colored my world. I never in my wildest dreams envisioned find out the information I now have. I haven’t even begun to pursue the information that Sharon has uncovered about my birth father.
Her work and passion for this field is amazing. She is willing to take you on a path where you feel comfortable. It is never too late to pursue your history!
T. in New Jersey
Family History Feedback
I have always been interested in my family’s history and ancestry, but never knew much about it. Sharon said that she could and would help me with this. I gave her my parent’s phone number and after a few conversations, she was off like a race car. She absolutely stunned us all! The information which she accumulated fills two binders.
My Mother’s ancestry she traced back to 1648 and was able to determine that the family came to America on the second ship after the Mayflower. I had known only through word of mouth that we had ancestors who were part of the American Revolution, and with her help, I was able to become a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.My Father’s history she was able to trace back to the 1500’s in Italy along with baptismal records and documentation of marriages and deaths. Unbeliev-ably amazing, what she has uncovered.
I will always be in her debt for doing this for me and my family. I can not thank her enough.
Don’t hesitate to contact her.
Charlie P. in New Jersey
What’s the Scoop? Feedback
This gift was the hit of my mother’s 90th birthday party. Everyone wanted to check out the binder which remained open the entire evening. Friends and family took pictures of every single page. It was so much fun to see birth and engagement announcements of the family, especially since no one had ever seen them before. Additionally, there were several surprise newspaper articles, OMG! Word got out to those who were unable to attend the party, so we had it copied for them to enjoy.
A really great gift idea!
M. in Pennsylvania
Who Am I? Feedback
Was hoping to discover more about my African American heritage.
Our Family Binder had accompanied my parents to the family reunion this year. Everyone was astounded with all of its’ documentation as well as what was discovered.
Utterly speechless with the presentation & final project, I felt as though I was a participant on the PBS program, “Finding Your Roots.”
I Highly Recommend!
R. in New York
Carol Young Genealogy 