Discovering my Roots: A journey into my family history with iGENEA
Family name Lejeune
After an exhilarating journey with iGENEA, I uncovered an emotionally-charged chronicle of my family's history. The discovery of the depth tied to our surname, Lejeune, connected me to centuries-old tales of survival and resilience, causing a profound shift in the way I perceive myself and my family.
My journey with iGENEA has unquestionably been an emotionally charged rollercoaster. I stumbled upon the service while studying genealogy websites, trying to piece together the puzzles that were my family's history. I imagined learning about our ancestral roots might offer insights into who we are today and to my surprise, it did.
The first step was a simple cheek swab. There was an air of anticipation, excitement, but also slight apprehension as I sent the kit off. Weeks later when my results were ready, I suddenly questioned if I was really prepared for the information that awaited me.
The centerpiece of my findings was my surname - Lejeune. As it turned out, it dates back to the Middle Ages, a name that signifies 'the young'. The discovery of your name having centuries-old history attached to it is oddly grounding. Flicking through centuries of family history, I felt a strong layer of connectedness to the name in a way I hadn’t anticipated.
But the ride didn't end there. The iGENEA test further provided a deep genetic breakdown, revealing the migratory paths my ancestors took. Their journey was arduous, filled with perseverance and resilience, a journey of survival that led to me.
An overwhelming sense of gratitude washed over me at the thought: I am here because they persisted, their stories interwoven with my DNA. My existence owes itself to the hundreds of generations before me, all bearing the name Lejeune.
This newfound awareness gave way to a spectrum of emotions. I grappled with feelings of pride and awe at my lineage but also a deep-seated sense of responsibility to honor those who came before me. Indeed, it was humbling to realize how intimately our lives are tied to those who are no longer with us. I felt an impetus to carry our family name further, to ensure that their stories lived on.
In essence, the journey with iGENEA allowed me a peek into what was, which in so many ways, informed who I am today. It showed me we are not mere individuals but a culmination of countless journeys, our names carrying the echoes of those who walked before us. I am Lejeune, and there is a profound grounding and purpose in knowing my truth.
X. Lejeune