We recently spent a day hiking in the Chiricahua National Monument enjoying the "Wonderland of Rocks" in eastern Arizona. A volunteer at the Monument's Visitor Center recommended an addition to our planned hike which promised fantastic views and lots of wildflowers. We took the advice, and began the ascent up Sugarloaf Mountain where a massive wildfire had destroyed dozens of trees that once graced the mountainside. The blackened skeletal remains of the trees were a stark reminder of the mountain's fierce trial by fire. Rounding a bend in the trail revealed a new vista that overshadowed the great losses. Lush wildflowers cascaded down the mountainside like a blanket of color. We were soon walking through waist-high pink salvia, masses of goldeneye, and scarlet coral bells. The ravages of the fire were visible, but faded rapidly in the abundance of color. God was healing the scars left by the fire, planting a garden more glorious than the first. One that would
Who's hiding in your family tree? Someone famous perhaps or a notorious outlaw? Maybe an interesting army general, or the guy that lost the family fortune may lurk in your family history. My own family has some interesting characters--no surprise, and it's been quite entertaining and rewarding to discover the journey of my family throughout American history. My mother is the chief genealogist of our diverse tribe, and has spent countless hours tracking down dead people from all over the world. I tapped into her expertise to share the basics of uncovering your family history. Below are some FAQs of the budding genealogist. 1. Where do you start? Start with what you know, like your immediate family. It gives you an opportunity to write down all those birthdays forgotten every year. Once essential dates are found (which include marriage, and death dates if applicable), you can branch out...so to speak. Your parents most likely have information on their siblings and grandpar