December 23rd is “Roots Day”, a day to celebrate
heritage.
My parents are sort of a mixed bag of ancestry. Grandpa on my dad’s side was born in the US
to Czechoslovakian immigrants.
Grandma
was born in Yogoslavia and came to the US when she was three years old.
Dad was the oldest of four kids -
Mom, on the other hand, has family in the US
going back before the Civil War. Trying
to trace her history has been an adventure! We know that somewhere in the distant past, there is Irish and English - even a splash of Native American. I never knew my grandparents on that side. I wish I had - but mom was a great lady.
Mom's cousin traces the family history and used to share with us stories and the things he learned.
So half of me is third generation immigrant and the other half is 100% United States American.
I wish I knew more about the people in my family tree and maybe someday I will. I am grateful for the family I was born to - I am grateful for the love that we've shared. I treasure my roots and all the branches that stem from them.
Happy Roots Day.