Anna Allison-Burgess

Digging Up Roots Anna Allison-Burgess

For many years I had wondered about my Great Grandfather Herron and his family.'s story. Presently, there seemed to be an urgency (unsure as to why) to see what the family had chosen to hide - maybe I would find nothing. But . . . I did. I began genealogy research in 2008. I have been led on some wonderful but exhausting journeys; none quite like the story of Betsy. Furthermore, I almost stopped researching my Herren family line with its plethora of mazes. Almost. There is great power in sharing a family story. It's hard to share hard or sensitive subjects. However, it forces us to press through the shame and embarrassment, then, we can choose to accept and heal. Family stories should be told. A great place to start is to ask yourself, "If I had to leave my children with one or two stories, which ones would I want them to know?" As for me, my daughter will be left with many stories . . . many. My cousins, too, know and understand my passion for family history. I never stop researching. It's in my blood. When my time is up, I pray the stories will still be told - as there will be many new ones. Probably a few with me as the main character. Anna Allison-Burgess