Exploring My Ancestry with iGENEA: The Emotional Journey of Becoming Acquainted with the Thornhill Heritage
Family name Thornhill
The iGENEA DNA test offered a whirlwind rollercoaster of emotions, stirring feelings of curiosity, anticipation, and surprise. Unveiling unknown ancestries associated with the Thornhill name, it triggered family conversations, inspired a fresh appreciation of heritage, reshaped personal narratives and conception of the human family.
Engaging with the iGENEA DNA test was a rollercoaster of emotions; it was quite an emotional journey towards self-discovery that deeply stirred feelings of curiosity, excitement, anxiety and surprise. Initially, the process of waiting after sending the sample felt like an eager bristle of anticipation, akin to standing at the edge of a new horizon. As the days stretched, the suspense and intrigue mounted, waiting to reveal the fascinating archaeological puzzle of my genetics.
The day the results arrived was a whirlwind. Seeing the percentages of my genetic makeup splashed across the screen evoked a sense of bemusement. How surreal it was to realise that I, a Thornhill, was linked by invisible threads to countless forebears spread across different cultures, continents and epochs. The test showed a diverse lineage, a profound tapestry of ancestries that stretched far beyond my expectations, and challenged my preconceived notions of what it meant to bear the surname Thornhill.
Unearthing these profound connections, previously unknown and lying dormant in the helix strands of my DNA, fostered a deep sense of intrigue and wonder. My heart tugged at the revelation of distant relatives, residing in corners of the world I had never even thought of, tied intrinsically by the shared Thornhill name. This incredible realization painted a vivid picture of our family's migratory journey through ages and geographies.
The iGENEA DNA test also sparked conversations within the family — stories were dusted off, family lore revisited, shared, and re-evaluated in light of these new revelations. It brought a newfound appreciation for the Thornhill name, a bridge that connected me to a rich, diverse legacy that was humbling and inspiring.
Every step of the experience with iGENEA was an emotional pilgrimage to my past, a past that is etched in my very DNA. The experience not only influenced my view of the Thornhill family but also reshaped my narrative and conception of my broader human family.
W. Thornhill