My dad migrated to Australia when he was 20. As a child he never really spoke about his childhood or youth or much about his family. I knew I had relatives in England and Ireland, but they were always 'his' relatives and not mine in my mind.
When I was posted for work to Europe and mentioned I'd like to see where he grew up he drew me maps and gave me family addresses, asking if I'd go to see them. Again I said they were 'his' family not mine. When I was visiting the hall where he had photos taken with all of his friends I spoke to a local lady, she asked who my local family were, at first she didn't know. She asked me who's your granny' I responded with her name and then she realised she did know them and her uncle was my dad's step father and he lived 3 doors up from where were standing. Before I knew it she dragged me up to meet him. Hearing he talk about my grandmother (who died years before I was born) made me want to know more. The stranger asking me about my granny was a first, before then I'd usually thought of her as my dad's mum and not my grandmother. I met my dad's aunts and uncles and cousins over the next few days, they heard I was there and sought me out. Suddenly I realised they were 'my' family. Some also gave me old photos and the door to this side opened. I started tracing family history from there, asking them for names and details.
My dad now talks about his family and his childhood to me, he is fascinated with Irish history and my obsession with the tree ties in. Now we are never short of something to talk about.
My mum's maiden name is unique and through online sites I've met family all over the world and with their help have her line going back 16 generations. She too is intrigued by what I've learnt. Reading this topic makes me realise I am lucky they are interested.
I just wish I'd been able to know my paternal grandparents, i also wish someone else on my dad's side was interested in our search, so far no luck. But the family are interested in meeting me when I've visited and in seeing photos and knowing how my dad is and through 'my' re-acquired family I have photos and stories of my grandparents.
