My most amazing discovery was about 25 years after my mother made a throwaway comment that her grandfather had been born in China. When I asked why she said she didn't know, nor could she remember if she had
ever known the reason - it was all so long ago. Her grandparents had died before her parents were married, and she was second youngest of a reasonably large family, so I guess she can be forgiven for not knowing.
When I eventually retired and found time to do some research, I discovered that her grandfather, rather than being the son of a British merchant, missionary (or mercenary) as we had automatically assumed, was actually Chinese, had come to Australia pre-gold and married an English girl. None of the family had any Chinese characteristics (not even my grandfather, and he was the youngest son) apart from black hair with blue highlights in the sunlight, and some of them had absolutely gorgeous skin. Because my grandfather was a very quiet person I guess nothing was ever discussed about origins. Also, with a very very English surname the question of Asian beginnings would never even have been considered.
The crazy thing is that in my home town (in Western Queensland), where my cousin still lives, were other descendants from this same family that we never knew were related. My cousin's best friend - and they have always, for more than 40 years, called each other cousin - is actually related.
This discovery is probably the most magic of all so far and even beats the discovery of 4 convicts in the maternal side of the same branch of the family.
My only regret is that by the time I found out, only my uncle was left (and he really appreciated the news) and so I wasn't able to tell my mother what I'd discovered.
All I have to do now is get beyond the English surname and try to find evidence of the true Chinese name!!!!!!!!
Hope my ration of magic hasn't run out yet.
Philippa
