Write it down!!!!

When I first began to dabble into family history work, I had no idea where to begin. I thought the best source was to ask my family. Perfect! Who would know better about my ancestors than my family?! So I went ahead and asked my parents:

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-"Mom, tell me about your Mother's mother! What do you know? Where was she born? Who did she marry? "

-"Well, her name was Petrona . I have no idea what her husband's (my Grandpa's) name was. I don't remember any dates or anything. 

"What about your Father's side?

-"I don't really know Mija, All I know was my Grandma's name was Victoria. She was old when I was a little girl... she loved us very much and would read to us at night" 

-"so... you don't know who she married?"

-"ummm... well, I think so.... I think his name was....... Jacinto....  I think... I don't know. 

-"Where was he from?"

-"That I don't know, I would have to ask Tia Chela about that. She would know.

-"Where does Tia Chela live? Isn't she really old?"

-"She lives in Escuintla. She's 96"

-Ok.... So, what was your mom's birthday?

- oh dear... She died when I was young, I don't remember....

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-Dad, I'm trying to find out more about your side of the family. What is your mom and dad's exact names and date of births?

- "Your grandmas name is Maria, and Grandpa is Jose. 

-ok... what about their birthdates?

-well, she was born on xx-xx-xxxx, and he was born on xx-xx-xxxx. 

-ok. what were their parent's names? 

-xxxxx xxxxx I think.... wait, no. it's xxx xxxxx and xxxxx xxxxx

-Where were they born, and do you have any info on birthdates?

-ah..... no I don't remember. I remember your great grandpa died when I was about 9 years old. I would have to ask your Tia Marta about all that stuff. She knows that kind of info. 

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Turns out that my parents didn't know much beyond their parents information and some partial information of my great grandparents. I at least had some names to go on, but how would I EVER know anything beyond that?

There doesn't seem to be much interest in Genealogy among the new generation, including the Latino population. Why? I still don't know all the reasons, but I have figured out that some people just don't think it's relevant to them or interesting. I have noticed a pattern within people in Central America and Latinos in general. Most know just the basics and don't actually have any written information about their family history. Everything is just passed down verbally, and before you know it, those people end up taking all that info to their grave!!! 

We can change that! Let's change that! Let's start writing information down. Start by telling your kids your stories, take pictures, keep a diary.... start with you!