My family history has almost always been a mystery to me. Since I enjoy puzzles, I guess it was only a matter of time before I began to gather the information and put the family together.

In high school, while studying Alabama history, I discovered that the graves of many of the men and women I was studying were in a cemetery near where I was. So, I frequented Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, AL and visited the grave sites of people important to Alabama history. That cemetery is also very beautiful and serene, so I spent some quiet time there, too.

Now, I enjoy visiting other cemeteries to help others learn about their families. I also like to compare cemeteries. Some, that are better groomed, seem less attractive to me. Some, that seem forgotten are rich with information of the area.

And of course, there's the associated emotional tug of realizing that others passed on at my age, the age of my children (or younger) and after almost an entire century.

I also enjoy recognizing that some are saints that have run the race before. Someday, the Lord will return and theirs will be the privilege of ascending to him first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

My family history has almost always been a mystery to me. Since I enjoy puzzles, I guess it was only a matter of time before I began to gather the information and put the family together.

In high school, while studying Alabama history, I discovered that the graves of many of the men and women I was studying were in a cemetery near where I was. So, I frequented Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, AL and visited the grave sites of people important to Alabama history. That cemetery is also very beautiful and serene, so I spent some quiet time there, too.

Now, I enjoy visiting other cemeteries to help others learn about their families. I also like to compare cemeteries. Some, that are better groomed, seem less attractive to me. Some, that seem forgotten are rich with information of the area.

And of course, there's the associated emotional tug of realizing that others passed on at my age, the age of my children (or younger) and after almost an entire century.

I also enjoy recognizing that some are saints that have run the race before. Someday, the Lord will return and theirs will be the privilege of ascending to him first. (1 Thessalonians 4:16)