The Importance of Being Ernest...

No, Not the movie. I'm talking about the importance of having all the facts when you are researching and documenting your family history.  We all know that to err is human. We are ALL humans. There is no point in hiding it.  Though, not all families want to face their fears. And that's totally ok. 

Let's talk about the family scandals and to what degree you fear facing them. Is it a criminal matter? Did your great grandparent have a child out of wedlock? Was there a nasty divorce? Perhaps your grandmother had a scandal with a foreign immigrant?  Maybe it's worse than all that?  Perhaps you find out through DNA that your parents aren't your parents, or that you have a sibling you didn't know you had. 

First you have to face the facts and that's a scary thing. So the people you know and love aren't the people you expected them to be. Does that mean you love them any less? Of Course not! Does it change things? Maybe, or probably yes.  But you don't have to let it be the deal breaker in your research.  

Think about how you handle the information in your files. If you're digital and have a tree program, can you document the family scandal yet keep it private so only you know?  (Well, you and whomever gets your research in your will.) Is it something you think other families may wish to know but are afraid to approach them? Get advice from one of the many groups that are on Facebook for a mirade of reasons - adoption, dna etc. Trust me, you are not alone in your journey and many are experiencing the same things. 

In the end, you decide how to handle this as it is your feelings and your family. No matter what you decide. I hope you think about how to save that information so others don't experience what you are right now. These Adventures In Genealogy aren't always roses and cupcakes. But don't let that stop you from enjoying the Adventure! 
​~M