Unraveling Our Roots: My Emotional Journey with iGENEA and the Surname 'Hanes'
Family name Hanes
In this reflective report, the writer shares the emotional roller-coaster experienced while undertaking the iGENEA DNA test. From anticipation to revelation, the journey culminates in a deeper connection with their surname 'Hanes' and an amplified sense of belonging to a shared familial narrative. This DNA test profoundly shifted their perceptions about their heritage and family, adding layers to their identity.
My journey with iGENEA has been nothing short of enlightening, replete with a range of emotions. From anticipation to surprise, and ultimately, a deep sense of self-awareness and belonging. There was something profoundly thrilling about opening the box, knowing it held the key to unlocking my past. The excitement was often interwoven with a sense of fear – a fear of the unknown, but also, a fear of what I might discover.
The process itself was fairly straightforward and user-friendly. Yet, as I swabbed my cheeks, I couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline – I was essentially capturing tangible fragments of me, fragments that held centuries' worth of familial narrative. This test, to my surprise, was not your typical prick-and-see exercise. It compelled me to introspect and actively engage with the process, creating an emotional connection with my yet-to-be-revealed ancestry.
The waiting period was a whirlwind of anticipation and speculation. I found myself researching the surname 'Hanes', a label I'd worn for years without truly understanding its origin or history. The more I delved into it, the more I felt tied to a narrative bigger than my own, a narrative spanning continents and generations.
When the results finally arrived, the reality of my roots dawned on me. I discovered my lineage traced back to an array of cultures and eras, adding diverse layers to my identity. The surname 'Hanes', it turns out, had Hebrew origins, adding a profound historical and cultural dimension to my life story.
Understanding my heritage has not only changed the way I perceive myself but also altered my relationship with my family. I now look at my relatives not just as individuals, but as walking histories, each carrying pieces of a shared narrative. I've learned that our names – and surnames, in particular – are not coincidental labels; they're identifiers passed down through generations, each echoing the voices and stories of our ancestors.
iGENEA has significantly altered my understanding and relationship with the name 'Hanes' and honed my sense of belonging. It has delivered a newfound appreciation for my cultural heritage, instilling a deeper sense of reverence for the tapestry of human history.
J. Hanes