We bought a computer. To me it was a sleeping giant in the room, and I didn't venture near it. I was contented to let my husband use the computer and I watched my programs on T.V. Then my three-year-old grandson was using the computer, drew a picture and printed it out. That was the turning point for me.

If a three-year-old could do it, I could do it. I put my fears aside and plunged in. Now, I'm into genealogy, creating, and surfing the net. I was able to put together my mother's past concerning her ancestors.

Mom's father left her and her siblings when mom was 12 years old. Six weeks after the birth of my mother's sister, my grandmother passed away, leaving 4 girls and a boy orphaned. My grandfather left his children in his mother-in-law's care and made a new life for himself.

With him, he took the information of his past, leaving his children without a clue. Thanks to the Internet, and a much-wished-for email response from a wonderful lady, I was able to piece together the past for my mother.

Our ancestor James McCracken was born on a ship sailing to America in the early 1700's. It is said that the Scot-Irish settled in the hills of Pennsylvania for it reminded them of home. McCracken married and had 12 children, and that was the beginning of my McCracken family in Pennsylvania.

He fought in the Revolutionary War and was later a farmer. I presented my mother with a typed family tree, created just for her. I also, wrote her a letter, thanking her for her sacrifices, hard work and love raising my brother and I.

Mom, who is 75 years old and in good health, was overcome with emotion as she held the pages of her family's history in her hands. After spending so much time researching, I feel I personally know my deceased ancestors and feel a proud connection to my Irish heritage.

All of this came about because of a computer, the Internet and email from a wonderful lady. (Thank you Mary!) As the pieces came together from the past, the pieces of my life in the present came together. It was a time of healing and forgiveness between my mother and I.

So if you have the opportunity to sit down at a computer, then do it! It can open up doors and really change your life. Also, If I can help anyone with their quest, I am more than happy to do it. People should not have to pay to find their family roots.