DNA and Distant Cousins

On By Michele LeeIn Prose

I didn’t think I cared. I resisted my daughter’s request for several years. A few months ago, I caved. I finally agreed to spit in a cup and offer my DNA up. For my daughter. For my misfit feelings about my desert dwellings. For curiosity’s sake. For research. For what it’s worth. The findings were not that surprising, but I will admit it was enlightening to see my spit traced to places I have felt a strong connection to, although I’ve never been. A connection strengthened by having taught British Literature for many years. The majority of my ancestral kin can be traced to Great Britain and Ireland. Scandinavian, French, German, and Sub-Saharan African comprise the rest of me. Don’t go cloning me!  

I do have skepticism about this DNA business, however, the results, delivered to my inbox, complement my mom’s dogged ancestry research. I don’t have time to build a family tree, but I have been learning more about the fascinating science behind this popular trend. I have also started researching one of the places high on my ancestry composition: Dublin. A place I am thrilled to be visiting later this year. Before traveling to my Motherland, I will be spending some time at the Irish Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix. I’ve been there before, but my next visit will feel more meaningful with my heritage now authenticated in print.  

I had not considered sharing any of this information until yesterday, following a comment exchange with fellow blogger, William Sinclair Manson, who publishes a personal blog of poetry and all things Scottish. I mentioned that his posts have added meaning after learning about my Scottish connection. He joked and said we might be cousins. I said we might be, distantly. Aren’t we all, really? The exchange left me thinking how much I enjoy learning and how this forum can bring together common interests. A gift for each of us, in bloggy land.

Places that have a “high match” for me and where other cousins might be: London, West Yorkshire, Merseyside, Glasgow City, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Tyne and Wear, Lancashire, County Durham, Kent, Dublin, Donegal, Mayo, and Cork.

Thank you for visiting and reading! I won’t be able to engage until after Writer Workshop, but I am interested in reading about opinions and/or experiences with DNA testing. Nothing too personal, please and thank you. 🤐

~Michele

Photo by Trabantos, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland

© 2023 MyInspiredLife

89 thoughts on “DNA and Distant Cousins”

  1. Wow, so astonished to read all that discovered through DNA. Can be factual tooo. Loved to reading n learning them. No worries, take your time on your commitments dear Doll. Wish you happiness n great time for all your plans. Loves 😇❣❣

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  2. Timothy Price

    How cool for you. DNA testing can produce all kinds of interesting results. We grew up believing we had Pottawatomie Indian ancestors from my mom’s side of the family. My mom’s DNA came back with zero Native American ancestry. Her sister didn’t believe it and it caused a riff between them. My brother’s DNA shows mostly Scottish ancestry. I have not done the DNA thing.

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    1. Absolutely, yes. It has been a meaningful experience for me and my daughter and her boyfriend who also joined in. Thanks for reading and sharing your family experience with testing. I can see how those findings could be upsetting – a shakeup of identity, for sure. Results also have a way of surprising people with family connections they didn’t know about, like siblings. A brave new world we are living in! My brother and I are similar, just slightly different in the percentages.

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      1. Timothy Price

        It can be most disconcerting if you find out daddy wasn’t daddy. My friend Susan has put together a really interesting family history, and looked up and met some relatives she didn’t know she had from her DNA testing.

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  4. Oh wow , this is so fascinating.. I want to do mine too. You have piqued my interest. This is super exciting .. gosh ! Lee, you have set me thinking. We should all do this , I think . Thank you dear 🤗

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    1. The more I learn, the more I agree, yes! I believe you would find it interesting and useful. Poets and writers like making connections and exploring deeper meaning; we can’t help ourselves! Curious minds! I’ve been on a journey of personal discovery for a few years – this feels like another layer of that. Thank you so much! Best wishes, whatever you decide to do. 🤗

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  11. WOW Michele, isn’t this so exciting? I was so happy that I continued with the genealogy tree my mother began back in the late 80s. I sat down with her in the early 90s to ask some questions. I was more or less snooping, not really taking it as serious as she had been. But, going through the process is a very humbling experience. 🙏🏼 I was so glad that I traced a lot of stuff and people I never knew existed. I didn’t take a DNA test, but girlfriend I am so impressed that you are making a trip to Dublin! You go girl! 🥳

    You know once you get started it is truly a contagious endeavor! Wishing you many pleasant surprises along the way my friend. 🤗💖🤩

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    1. How wonderful that you had that experience with your mom and that you had the foresight to ask questions. Good for you! My late aunt, who I was very close to, did a ton of research before she passed. Now on old floppy disks. 😆 Dublin, yes!! Contagious endeavor – I can see that. I look forward to it! Especially the travel part. 😁 Thank you Kymmy, good night to you. BTW dance was an absolute blast tonight! I needed that. 😌💖

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      1. Michele my Belle, this is such an exciting time for you my dear. Gosh, your dear aunt put her research in code…the old floppy disks? Now, you got to appreciate that…like microfiche! Let’s call her Agent Aunt 007! 🤭😎😍

        Embrace this time my Dancing Queen, because when it seems like nothing is happening, behind the scenes, whether you see it or not, things are moving into place. This is your story. 📖 This is your time. ⏰ Relish in the journey my dear friend. You are going to be doing more writing than you can imagine, so get ready! Glad you shook your rump to the music last night. That is always a welcome necessity!!! 🎧🎶🎹🎵🎤

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      1. Write the sentence
        turn the page 📝
        continue work
        of ancestors.
        Write the sentence
        turn the page 📖📝
        work continues
        those to come.
        Write the sentence
        turn the page 📝
        There is no
        back cover. 📕
        Write the sentence
        turn the page 📝
        look back
        who came before
        discoveries revealed
        lives enriched.
        Write the sentence
        turn the page 📝

        Inspired and just written….free thoughts 🤗

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  13. So fascinating dear your own story , marvellous 🌹🙏👍🏻 your DNA in England and mine India 💕🌹
    Life is so beautiful that we cannot forget the creation, just like how the birds leave the nest in one place
    and another place change the nest 👌😊Birds do not have the capacity to think , but humans will never
    forget our existence and keep in happy memories 👏✌🏼😍All The Best to you dear friend 🙏🌹♥️🌹

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    1. We may have different lands of origin, but we are all more alike than different. Your comparison to birds is beautiful. ✨ Wonderful! Humans have been gifted with incredible abilities and capacities. Thank you for your visit and for sharing your inspiring thoughts, Thattamma. 🌹💖

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  14. Given the history of migrations across Europe and then the migrations of many to the USA I think we must all be something of a mixed broth when it comes to DNA. As those migrations continue and as we take in more refugees then this ‘soup’ will become even more complex. How amusing then that we still find the odd ‘crackpot’ who spew out articles on a ‘master race’.

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    1. A “mixed broth” – no doubt about that! A melting pot. Amusing is a kind way to describe those crackpots. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about an aspect of society and this evolving science.

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  16. This is intrig2 stuff Michelle, thanks for sharing it with us! 🙏😁 I’ve always fascinated, albeit quietly so, by this DNA research and where it could lead us to in terms of discovering who we are or where we’re from. The Irish/British connection makes sense now that you say it. My older sister & older cousin have always been very active in tracing the Hume ancestry and building a family tree though.

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    1. You are welcome, Ken. Thanks for reading and commenting. 😁 It is an exciting and fascinating branch of science. 🔬 Good for your sister and older cousin – it is quite an undertaking! I have benefitted from my mom’s extensive research; I am sure you have or will theirs.

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  17. Interesting stuff ! I did mine quite a few years ago but I don’t have time to delve further into it either. But I know my grandmother was Irish and we are hoping to head to Ireland next year (travel plans for this year have already been made) You will have a wonderful trip!

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    1. Absolutely! That’s cool, yes it can be a time-consuming endeavor. It’s taking time just to read through the reports! A little at a time. My interest mostly lies in learning more about the places, the cultures, traditions, etc. How wonderful for you, both this year and next. I am very excited to explore! Thank you.

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  19. So close, Michele – I’m in Cumbria but did visit County Durham ay the weekend. I find this fascinating-researching a family tree then comparing genetic info. It’s like comparing archaeological findings with historical DNA – it should shed light on many areas of our ancestry!

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    1. I would love to be so close. 😁 After the desert wildflowers bloom, would be perfect. 😆 Durham – I saw that note on your post. Lovely poem! A solid comparison and resounding evidence when the two corroborate each other. 🙌🏻 Thank you, Ingrid!

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  20. Danielle

    I have skepticism too, I laughed when you wrote “don’t go cloning me” my own thoughts on the DNA thing, but I find it fascinating that science is able to give us all this information. I’ve never done the DNA spitting in a cup business but family members have emerged unknown to us with this little piece of science! 😱

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    1. A healthy dose of skepticism is useful. 😁 Thank you, Danielle, for catching my silly joke. Mostly, I entertain myself. 😆 DNA surprises seem to be more common than not. Not everyone appreciates a surprise but “the truth shall set you free.” After the shock wears off, I suppose. 😱 Thank your visiting today. I am going to feature your blog and another on Saturday. I have yet to write it, but it’s going to have an earthy vibe. 😊

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      1. Danielle

        I think it’s more common too. I guess there are pros and cons to DNA science! Oh you are too sweet looking forward to reading if that’s where your writing takes you! 🌱

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    1. I have barely started reading the health reports – a lot to unpack with this process. I hope you found your endeavors useful. Neanderthal – that is fascinating! Thank you for sharing a bit about your experience. 😊

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  29. I think that’s a very sweet idea – that we may all be cousins. I’ve never done something like this before but it was so thrilling to read your experience and see how far DNA can trace back to. Fascinating write!🤗💗

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  31. Let me tell you I don’t like anything about it. In the finest of prints is a lot sketchy stuff… like they can do what they want with your sample once they have it…. Without your consent or knowledge- but you give it explicitly when you ship it to them… Prime example much older case- Henrietta Lacks. 💐

    I didn’t want my parents to do it but they did- they didn’t have my consent to put all my information on their website like previous addresses etc. livid… like wtf so I don’t mess with it.

    Yeah cool to see stuff and who’s potential family… what ties you have all across the world.

    But for them to have information about you and your family like that and to share it without their consent…. Idk y’all. Is it worth y’all safety etc 🤷🏽‍♀️ these websites and apps don’t care… and they are putting it all out there. And it can be used against you…

    Stay safe and always contact them to remove any thing you don’t want out for whoever to see. 💚

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    1. You bring up valid points. I read plenty of fine print and did not agree to all things, but how much can we trust any entity, company, or organization at this point? On a hopeful tone, DNA research does have potential for improving lives, related to disease. Thank you for the visit and for expressing your thoughts. 🙏🏻

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  32. How fascinating a discovery and how monumental this small action became. There is something curious about seeing generations all linked through DNA and the cause to wonder if it is true and how it plays into who we are now. ❤

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  34. Pingback: Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! – My Inspired Life

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