Everyone has to start somewhere! I was 10 years old in when my Sicilian grandfather handed me his family tree. Typed in great detail, and spanning several sheets of computer paper stuck together with scotch tape, he kept it rolled up with care and secured with a rubber band.
I still remember the excitement shooting through me as we traced the lines and pronounced the names aloud together. I yearned for the day when I could fill in all the blanks, chase down all of the answers. It was something we both enjoyed, and would enjoy together whenever we could.
My grandfather and I spent more than twenty years researching our lineage, and if we have learned anything, it is this: the search is never complete, the adventure is never over.
My Family Tree Project is dedicated to the memory of:
Robert James Russo (1939-2022).
Papa, I still have your tree, and I’m still working on it. Thank you for everything. -Love, Steffie
Stellina Research Consulting 