Once upon a time, after bumping into some evidence that at least several of
our ancestors might have been a royal (Alonso de Estrada, illigetimate son
of King Ferdinand), I asked my now deceased aunt why she had never said
anything about this connection. Her response was "That's who THEY were,
that's not who WE are."
She was a bitter woman, but a wise one. It is so true, while her siblings
might have looked "castellano", she, herself, looked like the Indigenous
blood inherited from the Tlacaltecas that were brought in from the south to
settle the northern territories. For her, it was impossible to embrace
years of subjugation based on her color, despite the apparent direct link to
Alonso de Estrada.
Royal blood to Ed
I simply agree with your position....I quoted my aunt because I understood
her bitterness, but appreciated her wisdom.
We are descendants of our ancestors, each unique with different attributes,
but most of us can't claim the glory, shame, or otherwise that our
ancestors no doubt partook. We can only take responsibility for who we are
today. My aunt's words resonate wisdom.
Genealogy is interesting, it is history, a discovery of mysteries, and a
hint to understanding the complexities of human nature...almost like another
form of anthropological research. You are correct, what motivates us all
to continue this quest differs.
Royal blood to Ed
Re: Royal blood to Ed and the story that ensues.
Like the previous thread, I am not sure how to take this. I certainly am not bitter or wise, simply fascinated in genealogy. Who are we? I personally love the psychological aspects of our quest into the past. We are all looking for something, aren't we? Not all for the same reason.
Maybe the author of the comment was referring to another Ed. If so, I apologize for assuming that the story was offered to me.
Saludos,
Ed Serros, MD