Once upon a time, I came upon a blog called Hesch History. I did a double take when I saw someone else researching Luxembourg and Minnesota just like my Lenertz ancestors' path. Like a good social blogger, I left comments and my information. Larry replied with a gold mine including the Luxembourg birth record of my third-great grandfather. Larry and I weren't ancestrally connected. He just did this to help me. He saved me hours of searching page-by-page in a foreign language, and bolstered my faith in the kindness of genealogists.
Fast forward a few months to yesterday. I decided to finally transcribe and translate the birth record written in old German. After about an hour, I knew that the document was dated 1826 and not much else. I put a call out for help, which was immediately answered by Gini of Ginisology.
Bless her heart, she got her mother on the phone who patiently guided me through the document and the nuances of the German language.
Without the generosity of others, I would still be searching blindly through Luxembourg. Now I have a town, a name, and roots across the pond. These friends asked for nothing in return, but you can bet I'll be paying it forward any way I can.
So to those who don't quite see the value of blogs and networking in research, I present Exhibit A, and Larry, Gini, her mother and all the kind folks out there willing to lend a hand.
Thank you.
Genealogists - in general - are awesome. Gini - in particular - is awesome. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis kind of experience is EXACTLY what it's all about!
ReplyDelete100% in agreement with you.
ReplyDeletehttp://ourscottishheritage.blogspot.com
That is wonderful. I call that going over and beyond. If you are going to the Jamboree, you can give her an extra big hug.
ReplyDeleteWe not only have those who help others unconditionally, we also have those who thank and acknowledge those who help them! Bravo to all!
ReplyDeleteThe pros of blogging definitely seem to outweigh the cons, don't they? I'm so thankful for the kindness of my blogger-friends. I have been the recipient of several genealogical acts of kindness, and I've tried to do my part for others, too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Renate
This seems to have been one of those fantastic blogging weeks - several of us have new contacts through our blogs, and now this wonderful example!
ReplyDeleteThat is wonderful! You don't have to convince me of the power of blogging.
ReplyDeleteYep, yep, yep. I'm preparing a post for the A Friend of Friends blog. Watch out for it there and on my blog, http://mycoloredroots.blogspot.com/. I should have it done in a day or so.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. We genealogists are a very lucky bunch of people. Not only do we understand mortality and the gift of time better than anyone but we learn to give and receive unconditionally which often remains a difficult concept for others.
ReplyDeleteStories like yours are the best inspiration. 2 Thumbs UP -I detest the 'Brick Wall' expression.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katie's Scriven Hall
Your right most genealogists that I have been involved with have been very kind to help me out or have given me advice or suggestions. I in return love to do the same.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I am coming on here late but I want to thank you for your kind words, all of you. Mom was so excited to help!
ReplyDeleteI do feel very strong about the support and help we give each other. So many have helped me and if I can, I want to give back 100%.
Like Sheri said,"This kind of experience is EXACTLY what it's all about" how right you are Sheri.
I love Marian's words, perfectly said...we get each other. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this community.