January 2000
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Rachel's Daily Diary
_________________
Saturday
29 January 2000

 

10 10 pm pst   [ it reads ]

It reads:

WISCONSIN

SGT
377 BAKERY CO
QMC

 

[ gravestone ]

 

It is a hint etched in stone. It reveals some secret code as to my great grandfather's role in WWI. But I don't know what it means.

 

I understand Sergeant, but little else. Are there records? Will I find some angel through the wire who will help me with my research? I need help from someone who knows how to do this. I know nothing of military records.

My great grandfather Joseph fought in WWI here in the States, and his father was a Colnel in the German Army before he emmigrated here some time in the mid 1800's. Will someone help me research Hessen, Germany? Will someone know how to track down military records there? Will I come one step closer to my ancestry?

I now know twelve of my sixteen great great grands. I know no one earlier than that. No branch of my family goes back more than four generations and already there are thousands of names.

 

I only know this because my mother's aunt Lucille, whom I called a few short days ago, sent me a written family history from early this century, as well as dozens of old photos, including a postcard of my great great grandfather Henry Sr. Matthew explained to me that at the dawn of photography, Kodak tried to make the new technology more appealing by turning any photograph into a postcard for free.

Sometimes, when I sit in the library or archives, I feel myself getting close to an ancestor. I whisper to their ghost that I will find them. I whisper to the cold darkness.

And I count my blessings again that I was born at just the right time that the internet would be around to provide so many materials, and to bring so many people to my fingertips.

 

two years ago today: "Have you ever know that something wouldn't happen but still gotten your hopes up for it?"

* * *

one year ago today: "This no-classes-on-Fridays thing rocks."

* * *

one month ago today: "I remember asking myself if I was married, and if I still horseback rode..."

* * *

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