Elation!

Armed with the letter, when I came home, I quickly penned a response to Peter in Sweden. I dutifully answered his questions to the best of my ability and waited patiently by the mailbox for his reply. It wasn't long in coming. He was excited to make contact with his American cousins (he actually was my Dad's cousin) and sent a copy of his genealogy to show how we were related. I was thrilled to know some of my Swedish heritage as my Grandfather had died the year before I was born. Personal computers were just becoming available and were very expensive but already I could see where one would be helpful in keeping all of my genealogical data straight.  The first genealogy program I purchased was for my Apple llGS. I can not remember the name, but I thought I was on the cutting edge of technology and sat for hours entering what Peter had sent me. I knew nothing about sources back then and doubt if the program did either.

Living away from my ancestral home, research was limited. I asked my parent's for some information, they gave me a few names which I quickly typed in. By this time, 3 of my grandparents were already gone. I asked Grandma about her family, but she seemed to clam up. I asked for photos, but her reply was they had all burned in the fire. I knew there was a fire, so figured I was out of luck and didn't pursue it further.  Basically, I had no genealogical research skills at this point. As a year had passed since that first letter, it soon became apparent that my computer would also be inadequate and I quit using the program I was once so enthusiastic about.

Meanwhile, the letters to and from Sweden continued. Peter and his family became close friends, he nurtured my genealogical interests, offering more family tidbits as he found them. For my part, I was not able to contribute much genealogy but still valued his friendship.

I was excited about my upcoming wedding so put thoughts of genealogy research on hold.