Finding our roots in Germany
January 11, 2008 by Monika McGillicuddy
Filed under Personal
As some of you know this has been a pretty exciting few weeks for us. Jay has, after 53 years found his birth mother and discovered an extended family in Germany. We’ve made contact with them albeit the language barrier has made it somewhat difficult. It all started with a dream I had which then compelled me to write and post a letter on the ActiveRain Real Estate Network blog. I thought that maybe if someone was searching for him…putting his birth name on the internet might just make it easier to be found. If you’re interested you can read more on Jay’s Golfer Blog site by clicking this link… Finding Jay’s Birth mother.
Monika and Jay – this has been so moving and exciting watching all this unfold for you. I can not even imagine the emotional roller-coaster ride you’ve been on through this.
But how really AWESOME to have finally found Jay’s birth mother and the rest of his family in Germany!
Ann…It is awesome. We’re still on cloud nine! We talked with a few family members and it has been great.
That is wonderful that you found your family – all the best for that exciting time in your life.
And if you ever need anything translated from german to english or vice versa -don’t hesitate!
Sabine
Sabine,
We’re franticly trying to learn German. Bought a book and some CD’s but it’s very slow going.
We’ve been using Google translator but I’m not sure how good or accurate it is.
My cousin’s name is Sabine…I always though that sounded so pretty. Do you know the Bamberg area?
Monika,
Thank you. And yes – I do know the Bamberg area – it’s about 15 minutes from my parents home. We were just there in December! It is gorgeous – just what you’d expect from Germany. Old homes, a dome, churches, a couple of palaces, winding cobble stone streets, a river…the “whole nine yards”.
Single words etc are fine – phrases and paragraphs can be questionable.
As for google – proceed with caution.
CD’s are great – but best way to learn is to go over there and here it spoken….(same was true when I had to learn english…)
Any plans to visit?
Sabine
We’d love to hop on a plane and just go but our business won’t allow us to do that.
Jay’s birth family lives in Zeal just outside of Bamberg.
I was last in Germany when I was 12 years old and I remember it to be as you described. I can’t wait to go back, not only to meet the family but to see the sights. Meanwhile the cd’s will have to do.
Moni,
In understand about job vs. wants. Thought you might enjoy a “slide” show…from the city of Bamberg…. http://www.stadt.bamberg.de/ just to give you a “little taste”.
Sabine
Oh wow…Thank you so much for the link.
Now we’re really itching to go.
You’re welcome. Glad you enjoy it.
Sabine