A-Z Challenge Surnames Z

ZILTCH, ZERO, ZIP….NO Z SURNAMES

I’m sure I’m not the only one during this challenge that has no Z surnames. I must confess I do have one- but it’s a person who married into our family in the 1600s in Italy and I have ziltch, zero, zip information on this person so I guess it’s pointless to talk about them.

I was wracking my brain yesterday trying to think of what I should talk about as this is also my last post for this challenge. I decided to talk about ZEAL.

My father, 2nd row from bottom, 2nd left of priest. 1940, Italy

 

It’s important to have at least some kind of zeal for the work that you do, no matter what it is. To me, genealogy is not work. It’s an adventure. It’s an adventure every single time. I never bore of it.

What I did realize it that I’m zealous. I go for it when it comes to research. I WANT to find everything about these people, not just their birth, marriage and death dates. THAT is boring.

I want to know WHO “John Smith” from Fergus, Ontario in 1874 was. How did he end up there? Was he religious, hardworking or a rascal and trouble maker? Did he have a family? Did he contribute to his community?

I love to put “flesh” on the people I research. They were once living, breathing human beings who loved and were loved.

My zeal for genealogy has not waned in the 35+ years that I’ve been doing it either. In fact, it’s gotten stronger because now it’s easier to find the information I need. I’m not struggling as hard. It’s also much better known now because of programs like Who Do You Think You Are etc. Family history has become the biggest growing hobby in North America. Some think this is not good for us “professionals” but I disagree. I think that the people who attack this with the same zeal I have- truly want to know about their ancestors. These same people might come to the realization that this hobby is a bit harder than they thought, or too time consuming, but their zeal for knowledge makes them want the information anyway. So, in the end, it’s these people who end up contacting me wanting me to help them find that missing bit of information that they just can’t find. It’s these clients that I love to work with as well. They are ecstatic when I give them the final report and finally have the answers that eluded them. Their appreciation is an added bonus for all my hard work!

I very much enjoyed this challenge and although it was tough maintaining a daily post, it made me dig deeper into my own tree that I’ve neglected over the years. Looking forward to the next challenge!