Hey, no worries on my end, @tryskele. The blockchain is pretty big and there's always lots of things to do. I'm just glad I found this post. :)
I think I'm one of Lynn's more frequent comment buddies, but she's everywhere so she pops in and out a lot. I've been to the Cancun area twice now, and once to Playa del Carmen where she and Brian are and I really like it down there. If I can get my wife to go, and we can swing it, it would be a place I'd like to retire to. Just some logistics to work out.
Well, I'm sorry to hear about not making the trip for your 50th birthday. I mean, I obviously have no idea, but are you absolutely sure, though? Don't want to spoil anything, but these are the kinds of birthdays and wishes that surprises are made of. :) Well, I guess we can always dream, and one day, you'll get there. If you're never coming back though, you've probably got some time to work on it. :)
Okay. At least seven. That should keep my wife occupied for a while, anyway.
That's kind of a sad statement, "no longer belong."
My mom has done quite a bit of our genealogy. I probably need to get my copies of things updated because I'm sure she's done more since she first gave them to me. What online sites have you been using? And have you tried any of the LDS church resources? It's amazing sometimes what they have.
My wife is in a similar situation. She never met her father, so she doesn't know any of that side at all. No one would ever tell her who he was. On her mom's side of the family, she's able to get back a few generations then also hits the brick wall. Sometimes that's the way it works until a path opens up.
I've had a similar feeling myself of never truly belonging. It's strange, but if I have an affinity for any place, it's Hawaii or Polynesia. I have no blood ties, but for some reason, that culture speaks to me. It's weird, too, because I didn't even know it until we went to Hawaii for the first time a few years ago.
That's not entirely true, though. I met some Tongans and Samoans 30 years ago and really enjoyed being around them. I'd forgotten that before we went to Hawaii. Very humble and respectful people, but highly skilled and motivated, too.
I like history, but I find myself mostly fascinated with Mayan ruins and people like George Washington and Tesla. Pretty eclectic combination. :)