Carol Young Genealogy
Family History Researcher
There is no way, I’m that old?
Well I am approaching 60! I can not believe I just typed it. And, it sounds worse when you say it, but inside I don’t really feel that old. The same thoughts that I had when I was in my 20’s are not that far from how I feel today. My feelings and sense of humor are just as warped and immature. Oh no, maybe I will never grow up. How frightening!
One of the ways I recognize that I am aging is when I pull up to a light and look at the car next to me and think, “Hey, should that twelve year old be driving?” Or the couple with a toddler in the food store, who can’t possibly be the parents, because they look like teenagers. Why do they look so young? Does your brain develop an age blocker after you turn 50?
And I can’t seem to grasp the age of my own child. Why is it so difficult to see your child as an adult? In my heart, I realize that he’s graduated college, has a great job and lives in his own apartment. However, he appears at my house and I see the little boy enter and become Mommy. The son has tried to let me down easy, “Mom, I hate to break this to you but I’m 31.” Is the age blocker part of this situation as well?
His age sends my brain into overdrive, “What?” “How is that possible?” “Where did the years go?” I remember bringing him home from the hospital and the many sleepless nights. The thoughts of “will he still be using his pacifier or wearing a diaper as he walks down the aisle?” Those years that you prayed for the night to come just so you could have some down time. What I would give for some of those days back again!
Lately, my mother’s words of wisdom come to mind so often, I can hear her say, “Let him be little for as long as possible, because he’ll grow up before you know it.”and the “Don’t wish your life away” and the my favorite, “I don’t care how old you are, you will always be my baby!” So, if in your life, you are in that Mom phase, take my mother’s advice, because truer words were never spoken.
And if you are on the other side of the parenthood pathway, will the brain age blocker work on my own age too?
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 