Revealing the Rutledge Lineage: A Journey Into My Ancestry Via iGENEA DNA Test
Family name Rutledge
Discovering the origins and journey of my ancestral line, the Rutledges, through a DNA test at iGENEA was not only an enlightening and exciting adventure, but it also brought forth unexpected revelations which have had a deep impact on my self-understanding.
Until recently, my understanding of my ancestors, the Rutledges, was a series of disjointed stories and historical references, much like a puzzle with missing pieces. However, undergoing a DNA test at iGENEA has reshaped my perceptions and filled in some of the missing gaps. It has provided insights regarding the migration patters of my ancestors, their ethnic and cultural backgrounds, and even unexpected health predispositions. Not only has this redefined my familial knowledge, but it's also fundamentally changed my self-understanding.
As anticipated, the iGENEA DNA test confirmed my predominantly European heritage. Surprisingly though, it revealed a substantial genetic footprint in the Iberian Peninsula, specifically in present-day Portugal and Spain. This revelation was unexpected, as the Rutledges were believed to have originated strictly from the British Isles. Now, I find myself imagining a scenario wherein a Rutledge ancestor perhaps traveled or migrated to, and settled in this region, eventually starting a lineage unknown to our family until now.
Another unexpected discovery derived from the test was a strong genetic link to Scandinavian ancestry. This insight suggests the presence of Viking blood in our gene pool. It is an exciting revelation, as it introduces a robust and dynamic aspect to my ancestry, and makes the family history seem a little more adventurous.
The iGENEA test also revealed certain health predispositions; specifically, to celiac disease - an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. While this insight doesn’t promise I will develop the condition, it has certainly influenced my approach to personal health and diet, fostering a newfound consciousness about my lifestyle and nutrition choices.
The test has redefined my self-understanding. I feel more connected to the world, knowing that my genetic footprint spans multiple regions and cultures. I have developed an appreciation for the migratory journeys my ancestors undertook, lending a sense of adventure to my self-narrative. The new information about my health ancestry has also made me more self-aware and conscious of my health, providing a chance to influence my future positively by making informed choices.
In conclusion, the iGENEA DNA test has revolutionarily changed my understanding of my ancestors, the Rutledges, and also my own self-conception. It has added layers to my identity, blending unexpected cultures, and painted a more colorful and comprehensive picture of my lineage, which was previously filled with incomplete narratives and unanswered questions.
B. Rutledge