A certain milestone crept up
on me this week while I wasn’t looking. Hard as it is for me to believe, it’s
been four years since I published my first post here at A Sense of Family.
I remember how thrilled I was
to get my first comments and followers. The idea that people out in cyberspace were actually reading what I wrote? Amazing! It still amazes me when I stop to think about it.
From the beginning, I found
generous support from Thomas MacEntee’s community of Geneabloggers, from which
treasured friendships have sprung. I learned about the ins and outs of genealogy
blogging from Dear Myrtle, Randy Seaver, Tonia Kendrick, Caroline Pointer, and many others. Gradually I developed my voice, and before I knew it, I had a whole year
under my belt. Turn around and it was two, then three years.
A big thanks to all those who dedicate their time to writing blogs about genealogy, family history, cemeteries, genealogy education,
and family history writing. Your posts continually inspire and inform me. I really admire the
talent found in our niche of the web.
Even though I haven’t been
blogging as frequently lately, it’s no secret that I enjoy writing about
my ancestors. This year I’ve been inspired by Amy Johnson Crow’s series, "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks," on No Story Too Small. I’m not going
to make it anywhere close to 52, but I still count myself ahead—because let’s face
it, any family story preserved is a victory.
I also like sharing news,
resources, and tips that I think might interest you. It’s gratifying to be able
to pass along some of the things I learn and discover, as well as events I’m
excited about. I hope these things energize you to make discoveries of
your own.
Whether you’ve read A Sense of Family a few times, a few months, or the whole four years, thanks for joining
me on this journey. I’m grateful to each and every one of my readers—without
you, I’d just be some crazy lady talking to myself about dead people all the
time. Hope you’ll come along for act five.
--Shelley
