Mine started with being unsuccessfully adopted and oft being told by the folk who adopted me, "you don't have a family. All YOUR family are dead!" So when I was 45yrs old thought I might as well find out what happened to them. Found my birth family in 17days. That really gave me the bug to search out the family history, warts and all. Bit of a disappointment though to find my mother had died only 10yrs before I started searching, and a sister died only 2yrs before I found my family. I would have looked many years before if I thought that they were still alive.
In 5yrs got my paternal line back to 1688 and was filling out details about their lives. But really wanted to know more about my father. But after 5yrs all I had (and still have) about him was, birth, marriage, death certificates. Employment in 1927, 1937, 1954. Became a bit discouraged and also busy with other matters, so stopped.
Having a bit more time set off on the trail again this year, which was 12yrs after I stopped. Unfortunately many of my papers, certificates, photos and files are now missing. But I am finding the research interesting again. Trying now to get more details of what life was like for my ancestors as well as dates for them. Still seeking info on my father when I get another idea to chase up. Most frustrating thing is folk, who will not answer a letter sent with an sae. No doubt pressure of work is the excuse. I am not able to travel far so try to do most by Internet, Post or telephone.
I am delighted to have found this site and most grateful for the help that has been given to me.