As my birthday approaches each year, I find myself doing what I suspect many family historians do best, looking back. Usually, I’m looking back at the lives of my ancestors, searching for another clue or preserving another story. This year, however, I found myself looking back at a different story…my own.
When I started researching my family history, I simply wanted to learn more about the people who came before me. I had no idea that one decision would lead to hundreds of blog posts, a podcast, speaking opportunities, magazine articles, and a YouTube channel.
Somewhere along the way, Journey Through the Generations became more than a hobby. It became a way to preserve not only my family’s history, but to encourage others to discover and share their own.
The funny thing is, I’m always focused on what’s next: the next ancestor, the next blog post, the next conference, or the next genealogy trip. I don’t often stop long enough to appreciate how far this journey has taken me. This birthday, I’m giving myself permission to do just that.
But before I turn the page to another year, I want to take a moment to be thankful. Thankful for every reader who has visited this blog, every listener who has tuned into the podcast, every opportunity to speak, write, and share my passion for family history, and every person who has encouraged me along the way.
As family historians, we spend so much time preserving the stories of others. Sometimes we forget that we’re writing our own story, too. Here’s to another year of discovering the past, embracing new opportunities, and continuing the journey—one story at a time.
Journey Through the Generations 
Thank you for sharing your journey, experience, wisdom and passion for family history. Happy Birthday!
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