I know a little more about my heritage on my mom’s family’s side. Her dad, (my grandpa), is a historian, so he naturally knows about his family's history. I've also heard about my Grandma’s side of the family a little too because of my mom. It’s more common for that side of my family to talk about our ancestors. But on my dads side, it’s not talked about as much.
This paper is from my dads mom, and is the adoption papers for her dad from almost 100 years ago. I remember my grandma would share stories from her childhood. “My dad was in the military, so we moved around a lot when I was little,” she told me. The document explained how his mom had really wanted to keep her baby, but felt she couldn’t provide him the life he deserved. It was really interesting but also devastating to learn about my great grandpa like this. It also explains why I don’t know a lot about my Grandma’s heritage, considering her dad wasn’t in touch with his biological family. 
I also found it fascinating that her dad was born and adopted to Minneapolis. I’ve always felt a little sad that both my parents grew up here and never really lived much else. Even my grandparents lived here at some point in their lives and still live here today. But finding these papers made me re-frame it, and instead think that our family has over a 100 year long connection to Minneapolis. 

– HC

Relationship:  Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more Great-grandchild of im/migrant or more