A Journey with iGENEA: A Personal Voyage through My Ancestral DNA
Family name Schirmer
Embracing my past, discovering my ancient lineages, and unraveling the deep meaning of my surname, Schirmer, through iGENEA’s DNA test was an incredibly emotional journey, altering my sense of identity and connection with the wider world community.
Venturing into the mesmerizing and also somewhat intimidating world of my past with iGENEA meant going beyond the bounds of inquiring into which variants of the human genome were handed down to me. It was an astonishingly emotional experience, engaging both my curiosity and my inherent sense of identity.
The process initiated through a simple and person-friendly DNA test, involving nothing more than a harmless cheek swab. I could not help but marvel at the undeniably transformative power of science, of DNA—this miniature, spiraled blueprint of human individuality—that I was holding in my hand.
When the results arrived, I felt an exhilarating rush of anticipation. Unveiling the page, I discovered the rich tapestry of my ancestors, much more technicolor than any family narrative or sighting of old family photos had ever stirred in me.
Discovering my roots in Ireland, the fluidity of borders and identities through centuries, brought me to realize that I was but a tiny yet integral part of the world's intricate human puzzle. My surname, Schirmer, no longer merely hinted at patrilineal German ancestry. It held stories, feelings, and historical landscapes of vivid past lives—some soaring with victories, others riddled with struggles and resilience—all embedded in it.
I found out that Schirmer is originally derived from a Middle High German term, meaning 'protector'. Embodying roles of community leaders, law enforcers, and warriors, my ancestors had embraced a significant piece of societal fabric, and I felt a profound kinship, not only with my immediate family but an expansive genealogical web.
This newfound understanding through iGENEA did wonders for my own self-perception. It helped taper my focus from the genealogical myopia, making me more aware of my role and connection to the world around me.
Deeper than that, it bridged the gap between my past and my future. As I cultivate a new appreciation for my name, Schirmer, understanding its historic significance and the courage it expressed, I am now keen to honor it and pass it on with pride.
In conclusion, tracing one's roots with iGENEA is not just a stark revelation of the past but also an inspiring affirmation of individual and collective identities. It triggers a transformation that moves beyond the boundaries of self-perception, re-defining what it truly means to belong.
B. Schirmer