If you need inspiration or encouragement on your DNA journey, you should read Swabbed and Found by Houston TV Weatherman, Frank Billingsley. I read the book in anticipation of his upcoming visit to the Bay Area Genealogical Society. The book and the presentation will provide us with many insights on the true meaning of family.
We set up a special meeting on Saturday, January 27 to accommodate Frank's broadcast schedule. He is busy at our normal Friday night meeting time performing his duties as Houston’s KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist. He will make a presentation, have books available and will autograph them at our special meeting on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 2 pm at University Baptist Church, 16106 Middlebrook Drive, Houston, TX 77059 (Clear Lake City). Check out the BAGS website or you can contact me for more details.
Frank always wondered if he got his personality, his bright blue eyes, or his love of people from his mother or his father. But he was adopted, so he never knew. Swabbed and Found is a fascinating story of how he combined cutting-edge DNA tests and genealogical programs in combination with his investigative skills to put the pieces of his Ancestor Puzzle together. You do not have to be adopted to appreciate this story of a lost and found identity.
As a teaser to get you to attend the presentation on January 27 and to encourage you to buy a copy of the book, here are some the passages that I found enlightening or amusing:
Page 24- A deck of playing cards is used to give a DNA lesson.
Page 55- "...you have to be a Hensley." This was intriguing as my wife has a Hensley ancestor.
Page 82- "Dogs are all adopted, and they don't wonder about their biological parents. Maybe I should take the hint."
Page 91 NPE is defined as a Non-paternal event. Later on in the book NPE is defined as "Hoosier Daddy."
Page 107 Frank wrote to the State of Arkansas to obtain a Non-Identifying Information Letter about his adoption. I was amazed at both the useful facts and the confusing fictions contained in the letter.
Page 151 Frank asks himself this existential question: "How many parents can one man handle?"
Page 180 The acronym DNA actually stands for a "Damn Nasty Addiction." 🌝
I hope to see you on January 27 and please read the book either way.
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| Frank Billingley, KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist |
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