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From: Peg <>
Subject: Re: [LDR] " Meanest Man"
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 2005 19:27:11 -0500


As a lst time Lower Delmarva Roots member, I would like to add something about genealogy research & skeltons. The following are two writings that I wrote down from a genealogy story in a magazine some years ago when I started on my genealogy journey & I have found this to be some good advice:

Dr. Mary Matossian, an associate professor at the University of Maryland in 1977, wrote: "No matter what fascinating things you learn about your family, you learn more about yourself. The effort of compiling a family history is an important growth experience; it's one way to explore your roots and enlarge your sense of self." Dr. Matossian also said, "Every family has its own emotional climate, attitude and patterns of dealing with life that evolved through one generation's influence on the next. All this has a powerful effect; it makes us what we are. The more you know about the forces that formed your character, the smarter you can be about dealing with them."

Dr. Murray Bowen, clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University Medical Center, finds value in going as far back into the past as possible. "More knowledge, he wrote, can help one become aware that there are no angels or devils in a family; they are human beings....each doing the best he could with his life course. There is no perfect family."

So don't apologize for the black sheeps, etc. or those to whom you are related. While we may not agree with their style or life, they do add some life to what could be a boring genealogy history venture. It's the way each person chooses to lead their lives.

Enjoy your research! I have found the genealogy search very fascinating & sometimes heart breaking but that's life.

Peg Atwell ()
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From: "Sylvia Greenhawk" <>
Date: 2005/01/03 Mon PM 02:03:30 EST
To:
Subject: [LDR] " Meanest Man"

Leila, Don't apologies for your " Meanest Man" relative. We all have skeletons in our closets that some folks like to try to keep hidden - but not me, I love every one of mine, when I write my genealogy pages they puzzle my mind, stimulate my curiosity and interest, add romance, charm, mystery and intrigue. I never try to hide them, I may not approve of the things they did - but they are mine forever. Good luck with your search, keep an open mind in your research and it will be a great adventure for you ! Sylvia Greenhawk


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