DNA testing is not a lark nor a fad so that you can kiss the blarney stone or drink a toast on Cinco De Mayo. Recently I have received several messages that started out with “I took the test to see what country my family was from…”
While
advertisements push everyone to take a test to seek your origins, I encourage
you to stop and analyze why you are going to do it and can you handle the
outcome. Serious genealogists utilize DNA testing to confirm years of
documentation & professional genealogists are aware that even with a good
paper trail there can be twists and turns.
DNA is utilized to identify John Doe’s and to trace criminals as well.
DNA
testing is in fact a form of paternity testing. It
is a very personal thing and can change your perceptions in a blink of an eye. Once results are in it can and does affect
not only the tester but the family members around them. Even those heartfelt,
made for t.v. hugs and tears of joy, meeting a new relative are not without
strong deeper emotions.
DNA
testing is a wonderful tool for us genealogists and yes even seasoned
researchers find discoveries they did not expect. I have long been a proponent
of DNA testing. DNA confirmed years and
years of paper research. DNA has also
given me the joy of a new close family member. Yes a joy but not without emotions.
It
is human nature that even what genealogist's term primary evidence can be rift
with intentional errors. Each and every
person I have met over the fifty plus years of research had their own personal
reason for tracing their family tree. I can honestly say that not one
consultation was without some sort of emotional family story. Amazingly, new technology has made discoveries
easier in many respects.
Once
you have taken a DNA test take time to read, in depth, about what the numbers
can and do mean. Genetic genealogy can
be amazing and DNA does not lie.
Genealogy is a wonderful way to learn world history and about people
that shaped us. Over the years I have
been blessed to meet wonderful, amazing, interesting people, many who I can
call cousin by degree. Many of those relationships confirmed by DNA testing. And yes, my personal journey has not been without lack of emotions. Yes, I would do it all over
again. But when I talk to someone
starting on their genealogical journey I now remind them DNA testing is not a
lark nor a fad.
