Ancient Family Ties

06/13/2024

To all my new followers, welcome! To my long-existing followers, thank you for sticking around.

I've been a genealogist/search angel for almost twenty years. The last post I made was a quick, fun meme about genealogy research about two years ago. I figured now was as good a time to explain why I've been absent from this page for so long.

I don't receive any money from helping people find long-lost family members. That said, I have two other full-time jobs, so genealogy is more of a hobby for me. But over the last two and a half years, a lot has changed for me in regards to genealogy.

I thought I knew so much, but what I thought I knew about my family wasn't true.

I decided one day to take a look at my DNA results from Ancestry again, just for fun, and I realized something was missing, comparing my DNA to what I had in my tree. To make a very long story short, I discovered that the man who raised my father was not his dad but his stepfather--a 70-year-old secret I uncovered with DNA and military records--a secret that my grandmother took to her grave. The Comeau family who started me on my genealogy journey was not biologically related to me, and it has taken me a very long time to come to terms with that.

This news took a toll on my family, as do most major secrets, and we are all still trying to piece together the puzzle of who we are. Most of the people in this family do not know about our relationship, but some do. Those whom I have been able to reach out to were very polite and understanding of this discovery.

So, for those who are lost in search of their family, or maybe you've discovered a BIG secret as well, just know you're not alone. There are so many amazing people out there willing to lend an ear and advice.

Hi, my name is Ceara "Dobbs" Comeau and I'm here for you if you ever need anything :)

Send a message to learn more

06/09/2022

Just a really good reminder for all of us avid genealogists!

04/06/2022

For those of you who have taken a DNA test, have you ever come across matches that leave you scratching your head?

Maybe you've said, "Who are these people?" Or "That name isn't in my tree!"

Well, if you've said anything like that....you aren't alone. Hundreds of people, myself included, have found either missing branches or surprise adoptees in their family tree.

Although paper trails are easier (and cheaper) to obtain, records are easily falsified and can lead to inaccurate trees. For those who are on the fence about DNA testing or want more information, I strongly encourage you to get this book. It not only explains the importance of DNA testing, but it explains what DNA is in a simplified way. You don't need a degree in biology or genetics to understand this book, you just need an open mind and heart for learning more about your roots!

04/24/2021

What am I doing on one of the few days I have off from work? Oh, you know, same old same old. Just transcribing my great grandmother's cookbook from her 8th grade class and making it into a modern cookbook for my family members. She was super into baking lol!

04/23/2021

Hey folks! What I have here is the continuation of my family research...a DNA kit. Now, I got to be honest with you, I've already taken a DNA test through Ancestry .

So why am I doing another one through another company, you may ask.

For multiple reason, but the primary one is to compare results. Now, I'm not saying I disagree with my original ones. I mean, DNA, is pretty cut and dry. You can't really argue with it. But every DNA testing company has something different to them. It's well-known that Ancestry has the largest genealogy base. But this other company I'm testing with offers something that Ancestry doesn't.

Family Tree DNA offers two other different types of testing. The first is mtDNA which shows a person the maternal line all the way to ancient times--following migration patterns. This is a DNA test that women can do. The next test is a Y-DNA test and this tests the paternal line through the y chromosome. Women don't have this chromosome so they can't do this test, but they can encourage their male relatives to do so.

So I'll be sending my kit off tomorrow to be tested for the general DNA and mtDNA test. I want to encourage you, (if you're with me to the end of this post) if you're interested in trying to understand where your story began, do a DNA test. Sales are going on ALL the time with these companies. Records can be riddled with errors, only DNA can deliver the truth.

04/15/2021

Have you ever come across a family member in your tree that has very little documentation attached to them? Perhaps it's a recently deceased relative or maybe one who honestly can't remember their past. I got news for you, it is possible to get that documentation, it may just take a while. Start with what you know: birth, death, residency, (etc.). And, if you're working with a company like Ancestry or even My Heritage, their information combined with your research will help you connect the dots. You may not get all the information you're looking for, but it will certainly get you on the right track!

04/01/2021

Let me tell you, it really pays off when you're waiting to continue a family branch. I've been working on this one particular branch of my mother's family for years. Quite often I've found myself having to stop and wait for more documents to pop up. Yes, it's been frustrating, but the wait is so worth it! If you're struggling with a branch, PLEASE don't give up!

02/21/2021

Fun fact of the day...I just found my great grandmother's 8th grade cookbook from her cooking class. Honestly excited to try some of these recipes!