Discovering Heritage, Tracing Roots: My Emotional Journey with iGENEA DNA Testing
Family name Henry
An emotional journey through iGENEA DNA testing unraveled fascinating truths about the surname "Henry," leading to a powerful reconnection with historical roots and a deeper understanding of one's family's past and identity.
When I first decided to take the iGENEA DNA test, I had mixed feelings. Curiosity was my greatest companion, followed closely by a slight fear of the unknown. I wanted to better understand my family lineage, particularly regarding my surname, "Henry." However, as I proceeded through each step, those feelings were replaced with anticipation.
A parcel arrived at my doorstep, marked with the iGENEA logo, carefully packed containing a DNA collection kit. I followed the instructions with anticipation and apprehension in equal measure. The method of collection was simple and straightforward. Gathering my saliva sample was physically easy, but emotionally it felt like saying goodbye to a piece of myself, sending it off to be dissected and analyzed.
Once my sample was shipped off to the lab, the waiting period brought with it a variety of emotions. I oscillated between excitement, curiosity, and at times, a drop of anxiety and uncertainty. The whole process felt almost clandestine, knowing that my DNA was being analyzed and would soon reveal secrets about my heritage, my roots.
The day I received my DNA results, my heart raced as I opened the email. The detailed report took me on a journey through my family's past. The most significant part for me was the clarification it brought about my surname, "Henry." My father, his father, and successive generations of Henrys, were no longer just some names. Instead, for the first time, I felt a deep-rooted connection.
I discovered that the surname Henry carries with it a rich history, tracing back to ancient Scotland. This revelation brought with it a sense of belonging. Rather than a name, Henry became an identity, filled with rich insights that reshaped my understanding of myself and the family I came from.
What was once a simple curiosity transformed into an emotional roller coaster that helped me discover the hidden depths of my family's past. I felt fascinated, proud, overwhelmed, and humbled all at once learning about the long lineage of Henrys from which I descended. It changed how I perceive my family and my identity in the most profound way. And even though I was seated alone while unearthing these secrets, it was almost as if I was surrounded by my ancestors, sharing the revelation and basking in our shared history.
D. Henry