Roots Run Deep

I am an only child which means I have a relatively small family. Growing up without any siblings has made obsessed with knowing everything about my family tree. I've done the ancestry.com thing, even looked up those family tree investigators to see if they can track down my roots.

Most of my roots are in Italy. My mom was born there and came to the States when she was eight. My paternal grandfather's family came here in the early '30s from Italy as well.

As I got older, I became more curious about my roots. I found out that my paternal great-grandfather had a brother who moved to Brazil and apparently there's a bunch of Menta's in Argentina and Brazil. Can you believe that, Menta's in South America?!

My mom has tons of cousins back in Italy whom I've never met and yearn so much to. My paternal grandmother's even has family that goes back to England, France, Ireland, and Scotland.

I've always wondered what all of these people are like and if there will be a day I will meet them. I think it's insane to know that there are people walking around related to me and I have no idea who they are, where they're from or what they do.

It may not be possible to meet all these people but I like to think that they're curious about me too and are searching for me. Wishful thinking, I know. A girl can dream.

Personally, I think it's important to know where a person's roots lie. Knowing where you're from makes up part of your identity. I know this point can be easily argued, but, there is truth to it.

I've said it several times before and I'll say it again. Family is important. Knowing that my family is possibly bigger than what I know it to be makes me even more determined to find these people.

Maybe the grace of Facebook, Twitter, or even this blog will bring me in contact with some of them. It already has in some cases actually, but it's still not enough.

So, if you are a Menta, DiVerita, Gianatiempo, Robinson, or Hayes, let me know! Let's find out if we're family.

If you kids are curious about your family roots I suggest checking out Ellis Island's website to check records first. Then, if you'd like, you can go to ancestry.com and create a family tree and search records which can be extremely helpful.

I know this post isn't that empowering but maybe it will ignite a spark in someone to start their own search. It's a fascinating journey that can really inspire you. So I hope someone finds this of use.

Good luck on your hunts! Hopefully I'll be writing soon.

Be good kids,

Catherine