Let’s Do This!

I have known for a while, that because my Grandmother was born in Northern Ireland, I am eligible to apply for Irish citizenship. I have also known that as exciting as that may be, the process appears to be quite rigorous and I have a long list of other adventures to pursue. But I recently decided that it’s time to just do it! 2024 will be the year I will wholeheartedly devote myself to the application process. I am committed to this. And so with the full support of the Sisterhood, I begin…..

Original Documents Only

I start by rereading the documentation requirements. It seems that each item begins with the word “Original.” It is very clear that they do not want copies and this stops me in my tracks. My Aunt has generously sent me copies, but it appears that I can’t use them. I am convinced that I’m doomed. Thankfully I eventually realize that it must simply mean that I need certified copies from the official issuing body. No one could possibly have original Originals. And, I’m back on track!

Ever the optimist, I print the document list for both my Grandmother and I, and am surprised to find that I only need three documents related to my Grandmother. (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate) Isn’t that a neat summary of the life cycle.

I, however, am a different matter entirely. I need six items to prove my identity, all of which look to be a bit challenging. I start Googling. Once again I am calmed by what I read and I forge ahead.

The Binders

Both my Aunt and my Father spent considerable time researching their Irish heritage and genealogical background. I have a binder from each. I already know that they are a treasure trove of information and I am hoping they will solve my dilemma.

I begin with the Blue binder from my Aunt, and it is fascinating. It tells a touching story of my Grandfather’s life and reveals details that are new to me. However, I am struck by the fact that there are not nearly as many details about my Grandmother. Whatever the reason, I am beginning to worry that this will be a failure of epic proportions. Unless I find original documents, I am hooped.

With fingers crossed, I move on to the White binder from my Father. It adds surprising details to the story but again, it seems more focused on my Grandfather. Then suddenly I come across what appears to be my Grandmother’s original Birth Certificate. It is yellowed, the entries in both Gaelic and English are very small and it is an odd rectangular shape. I am delighted and relieved when a rather large Marriage Certificate appears on the next page, followed by her Death Certificate. They too appear to be originals. Again I see the cycle of life.

I am grateful to have cleared the first major hurdle. I know that this will still be a long and perhaps arduous process but my quest has taken a giant leap forward. This is going to be very interesting.

Some Final Thoughts

I have memories of my paternal Grandparents but they are a bit fuzzy. They didn’t live close to us and we didn’t see them often. I remember that my Grandmother was petite, had long sandy colored hair that she wore in a bun and she sent us shortbread, holly and delicious McIntosh apples at Christmas. But I am sad that I don’t know nearly as much about her as I do about my Grandfather.

My other “final thought” is a question I have asked myself several times lately. And that is, “Why am I doing this?” To be honest, I’m not really sure. It started as a bit of a lark and has morphed into something quite meaningful. In a way, I feel that I am paying a well deserved tribute to my Grandmother, and for now that is reason enough.

We will be doing a new post every Monday, so look for our next one entitled “We’re Not Getting Older, We’re Getting Better?”