I want to properly discover my roots. I have for a good long while now but don't know exactly how.
Now for some roots it's easy, I'm Italian and specifically the first generation of Italian in my family that doesn't have...certain connections that would have been common for mid 20th century Italians in Chicago. The only issue I had connecting to my Italian roots was shame due to that side of the family being assholes. But I've been able to separate my roots from my family.
Now, I also have Irish heritage. My dad's side is full blood Irish but have lived in America since the Revolution (ironically making that side of the family also one of the first Americans). I've studied Celtic lore, and Ireland's contemporary history (largely 1800s-early 2000s) often but still feel I'm lacking. I know the history and the lore but I feel like I'm lacking the cultural connection. Because of how long we've been in America I feel distant from those roots and would like to properly find them again. Not just looking from the outside, but the personal connection.
Lastly, I'm also Hungarian Romani. Also on my mom's side. Her mom's parents were first generation back in the turn of the century. I remember hearing a story about my great-great-grandmother who only spoke Hungarian and felt isolated in this strange new country. Her whole life she could speak to her family because there weren't any other people who could speak her language. She had a nasty fall when she was older (around 60s) and was treated by nurses who spoke Hungarian. She refused to leave. She lived with those nurses the rest of her life because that was the first time since she moved to this country she could actually SPEAK with people.
I see the Romani influence in my mom all the time. Vibrant and full of life, my grandmother? God what a woman. Intelligent, clever, always had something to say and always had something poignant to say. Her laugh I can still hear. God, I remember her wearing reds and purples all the time. Hell...I think that's where my personal color palette (Red, Purple, Gold, Blue and Black) came from. She was full blooded Hungarian Romani and I have never met a woman more full of life. My mother is a close second though.
I'm not sure why I'm making this post. It started because I wanted to ask for help in finding my roots. Specifically Irish or Romani individuals on this site who can help teach me, or share stories, or something like that. Ways to connect, ways to embrace my heritage instead of just "being an American" which doesn't mean anything.
