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Archiver > CAN-MHSA > 2006-09 > 1157388431


From: Judith Rempel <>
Subject: [CAN-MHSA] Thoughts on FAMILY and DNA
Date: Mon, 04 Sep 2006 10:47:11 -0600


There is a vigorous discussion underway at present on the MennoLink discussion group (moderated/owned by Jon Harder in USA) regarding the value of DNA research, GRANDMA, etc.

I won't trouble you folks with the details - it covers some of the same ground that has been discussed extensively on this discussion group in 2006.

However, David Hiebert (residing in Pennsylvania) made an interesting comment regarding FAMILY and DNA:

---------------------------------------
I would like to make a point that I'm not sure has been addressed.

There is a difference between biological genealogy and family.

Biological genealogy is the direct passing of chromosomes from one organism
to its offspring. DNA testing will reveal this kind of relationships.

Family, however, can include those that don't share chromosomes. Like the
in-laws from my wife's family are a lot closer to being my family than some
of my "chromosome" family. Since the "chromosome" types live out West, it's
hard to get together very often.

In my mother's family just west of Hillsboro, KS, Arnold lived with them for
years. He was not related genetically, but they treated him like family.

I also have some genetic family that I have never met. A sibling had a
couple children who were adopted by others at the age of 2 or 3 days. I have
no idea where they might be or what they are doing, so I try to treat
everyone I meet "like family" because they may be!

So, while genetic relationships are important, I'd say that we should not
neglect our non-genetic family while pursuing our dead ancestors.
-------------------------------------------

P.S. I now have installed Skype on my computer and recommend it for lengthy phone conversations where you need your hands on the computer not on the handset (use a microphone/headset available for about $20 at any office supplies or computer store). Skype is free.

In addition, the phone calls are FREE (no LD charges) IF the person you are communicating with is ALSO using SKYPE.

To give you an idea of the value ... I just had a verbal conversation with my partner in Gambia yesterday (I'm in Calgary again) that cost neither one of us ANY LD charges. We talked for an hour. If we'd used trad'l phones, that likely would have cost over $100.

In north America (where communication lines are stronger than in Gambia), it is possible to add a little webcam at both ends of the conversation for well under $100 - and then you can SEE each other while you're verbally chatting too.

Think of it! Seeing a niece or grand-daughter or .... who was just born thousands of miles away... if the parents have their computer enabled with Skype, a microphone/headset and a webcam. So cool...

Judith (Judii) Rempel

Now Skypable too: judiir
www.rempelfamily.ca
and
www.mennonites.ca
www.mennonites.ca/mhsa


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