I need thoughts on a question

[Élistariel]

It's late, so I'll have to explain myself later. I need to know how you all would feel if a family member you hadn't seen or heard from for say, 15 years, suddenly wrote you a letter (via snail mail) asking you random questions, such as genealogy related stuff?

[Djiril]

Without further information, I'd say they were making a family tree. Is there something about this that seems suspicious?

[Élistariel]

You've got it backwards. I'm the one wanting to write. For my family tree, I want the truth about some things, nothing major. And I want to check up on my cousins.

[shnen]

Then explain your intent, who knows, I am sure they will be curious to know what you found out as well :)

[TornadoAli]

I don't think that would offend me....I'd probably be glad to hear from them!

[MammaStar]

I'd be excited. I have LOTS of relatives on my Dad's side and it's hard to keep track of them all. Especially all my first cousins, so when I hear from one of them.

Now, if say, there was some major family rift, then my feeling maybe would change.

[Raevyn]

Must agree with LdyStarlite - unless there was some sort of big conflict or problem I'd just call them, catch up, and ask for the info. I'm sure "well I was looking at doing a family tree and it reminded me I haven't heard from you in AGES, how are you doing?" wouldn't be offensive.

[Wyrdsister]

I think I'd think it's cool that a relative wrote to me out of the blue. I'd answer their questions and see what came of it.

Wyrdsister

[Xander67]

I would say that by doing that, you are makeing yourself an asset to your family and you are learning alot about where you come from as well :)

It is being a good Jedi also ! :D

[Old Witch]

Originally posted by Raevyn
Must agree with LdyStarlite - unless there was some sort of big conflict or problem I'd just call them, catch up, and ask for the info. I'm sure "well I was looking at doing a family tree and it reminded me I haven't heard from you in AGES, how are you doing?" wouldn't be offensive.

That would work for me too.....

[MidnightSun]

I agree with everyone else..i'd be happy to hear from the person no matter how long it'd been.

[Élistariel]

Thanks guys I think I will write (my grandma). The only "rift" I have is with my father, no one else. Now to figure out what to say...

[Magestya]

I think its would be great to hear from someone as well. I think that's part of the journey of making your tree, it's one of the best parts.
But its true, if there was a rift of somekind you may think on a different strategy.

Blessings and good luck!
Magestya

[Élistariel]

my dad wrote back. I found out so much! Like how he had gotten over cancer. And I have (half) siblings! I knew about the oldest. But there are two more from a diff marriage. So I have 2 lil' sisters and a lil' bro. Ooh and 2 baby cousins. I feel for one. I now have a cousin named Sarah Ferguson. That's a bit odd. Oh, and my dad sews. In one email he talked about how he had to go make barbie curtains. Now that's a weird thought for me. The only thing that truely bothers me is that my youngest sister wants to see me, and that's just not possible. Gah, they're so CUTE. I feel weird. I have 3 families.
1. The one I live with, my grandparents. Biologically my 2nd cousin and her husband, and their sides.
2. My mom, only through letters. Need to write her back soon.
3. My dad, thru emails.

[Eirwen Hartsock]

Hey Maren, I still say we need to take a road trip, and sort of "bump into" your dad's side of the family. Although we would have to take your car, since mine is falling apart. Of course by then I will probably have the jeep, but either way I would have to drive...because you would fall alseep, and Tiff would have to be there for her great music collection. But yeah we should do that sometime.

[Élistariel]

Eirwen, you forgot, you'd have to drive too. We both know about my 'wonderous' sense of directions :rotfl: