Discovering Diversity in my Brigham Roots: An Emotional Ride with iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Brigham
A powerful retelling of my emotional journey of self-discovery with iGENEA. This test, initially prompted by curiosity, offered a wealth of insights into my Brigham surname, revealing complex multicultural roots and reshaping my sense of family and self-identity.
Discovering my genetic roots through iGENEA was no less than embarking on a thrilling journey into the past. The test began as a mere intrigue, in search of answers to the voids in our family tree and our surname, Brigham; however, it quickly transformed into a voyage filled with awe, sheer curiosity, and a variety of emotional roller coasters.
At first, the swab felt just like another medical test I was accustomed to, but soon enough, it was as if I was holding onto a key, a key that would unlock doors to centuries-old secrets related to my family. The anticipation that brewed before getting the results was nerve-wracking, as I was literally counting down the days.
The element of surprise was indeed overwhelming. My Brigham lineage, which I had proudly suggested as firmly seated in European ancestry, had a significant percentage of Middle Eastern and North African ties. I felt a rush of chills and excitement course through me. Holding that paper of test results felt like a conqueror standing atop a mountain, its peak giving him glimpses of lands formerly unknown. I was looking at a chart of who I essentially am, where my blood originates, and what journeys my ancestors had undertaken to bring me into existence.
The process stirred a medley of emotions in me. It uncovered a whole new perception of self-identity. There was an inexplicable contentment in being more than just a Brigham or being tied to generations of one known ancestry. Embracing multicultural, diverse roots was exhilarating. I now spoke of my lineage with added passion, appreciating the migrations, intermingling of cultures, and the phenomena that forged me into who I am today.
The test also redefined my understanding of family. It expanded its definition beyond just those linked to us by birth or law. I now perceived connections with individuals spread over continents, each one of them a unique fragment of a grand, common ancestry. It was as if we were all tiny droplets contributing to the vast ocean of human existence.
While the Brigham name still holds its worth and unique identity in my eyes, it now represents more than just a western heritage. It stands as a testament to centuries of human resilience, travel, love, and evolution. And all of these emotions, revelations, and self-awareness stemmed from one simple DNA test by iGENEA.
D. Brigham