An Opportunity for Connection | Episode 40

01/02/25 • 26 min

2 Listeners

When my mom was just 17, she lost her father – but 50 years later, DNA revealed an unexpected gift...

In this deeply personal episode, I share how an ordinary AncestryDNA test revealed an extraordinary family secret. What began as a potentially devastating discovery became a beautiful experience that brought four women (in their 60s and 70s) closer together. As the story unfolds, you'll see how even the messiest parts of our family stories are an opportunity for connection. Join me as I explore how DNA testing can unlock forgotten stories, heal old wounds, and create new bridges between generations that transform both our past and future relationships.

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🎧 Ready to discover more stories that could transform your family connections? Subscribe to 'Stories That Live In Us' wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review to help other families find their path to deeper connection through family history. Together, we're building a community of families committed to preserving and sharing the stories that matter most.
🖼️ Ready to turn your family discoveries into a beautiful conversation piece? Visit FamilyChartmasters.com to create a family tree chart that will help your family share stories for generations.
♥ Want more family history tips and inspiration? Follow me @CristaCowan on Instagram where I share behind-the-scenes looks at my own family discoveries and practical ways to uncover yours!

When my mom was just 17, she lost her father – but 50 years later, DNA revealed an unexpected gift...

Previous Episode

Thanks for the Memories (with George Ott) | Episode 39

What happens when you present Bob Hope with his family history, and he has no joke to crack? In this episode, professional genealogist George Ott shares moving stories from his decades-long career, including unforgettable moments with Hollywood legends Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart, who both found themselves brought to tears by discoveries about their family histories. Having started his career in 1975, George reveals how family connections can transcend fame, fortune, and even family feuds - from courtroom battles over cherished samplers to emotional reunions between long-lost siblings. His remarkable stories demonstrate that whether you're a celebrated entertainer or someone searching for your roots, family history has the power to touch hearts and bring people together. Join me for this touching exploration of how the stories that live in us can surface in unexpected and powerful ways.

Next Episode

Operation Pedro Pan (with Elisa Seeherman and Yda Okurliand-Pack) | Episode 41

When cousins Elisa and Yda finally met in person, they uncovered more than their shared DNA – they discovered how a desperate effort to save Cuban children from Castro's regime had shaped their family's destiny. Through meticulous research and a surprising DNA match, Elisa connected with a branch of her Jewish family she never knew existed, leading to the discovery of their role in Operation Pedro Pan – one of the largest child refugee operations in American history. In this moving episode, Yda shares her experience as one of over 14,000 Cuban children who left everything behind, armed with only a small token to identify them upon arrival in the United States. Their story reminds us how DNA testing can reveal not just family connections, but also uncover profound chapters of history that continue to shape families across generations.

Stories That Live In Us - An Opportunity for Connection | Episode 40

Transcript

Crista Cowan00:00:01.443

Stories that Live In Us is a podcast that inspires you to form deep connections with your family , past , present and future .

Crista Cowan00:00:10.580

I'm Crista Cowan , known online as the Barefoot Genealogist . I've spent my whole life discovering the power of family history and I know that sharing the stories that live in you can change everything .