Genealogy | World War II Research and Writing Center

August 13, 2018 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

When NOT to Hire a Genealogy or Military Record Retrieval Person

First, I would like to define a couple of things so readers understand where I am coming from.

Record retriever: Someone who will copy or scan specific records requested by a client, usually based off an ‘Add to cart’ option of specific, non-flexible record requests. This person may or may not have any idea how to reconstruct military histories because they specialize in pulling specific records only. Usually they do not provide context for the records or explain what they mean. Their job is to obtain records for a client only.

Full service researcher: Someone who obtains various records, customized to a client’s specific needs, questions, concerns, and project, to reconstruct military service. This type of researcher provides a fully sourced research report with the documents that show military service. Often you can also request trip planning suggestions if you wish to travel in Europe in your soldier’s footsteps. Some firms, like mine, have a network of tour guides and researchers overseas. These researchers should provide you with a contract for work that outlines what is being done, your fees, and time estimates at the bare minimum.

Most professionals are aware of what is happening in their area of work, usually within their own company or locale, or even the world. Paying attention provides clues as to where we can grow and change, especially if we are running our own businesses. For almost a decade I have watched the genealogy and military research world grow, change, turn upside down at times – like any area. I have always created my business based on the energy of what was light, what no one else in the country was creating, and filling gaps. Every professional serves a purpose and contributes in some way. However, there has to be some education at this point on military research versus genealogical research.

Obtaining records for genealogy questions is not the same as obtaining records for military questions. I’m seeing more genealogy and military record retrieval people advertising specific record sets they will get for you – without appearing to have any concept of how to reconstruct military service.

This bothers me because I hate to see people waste their money and not get the answers I know are available. Additionally, many of the people searching for answers are older and are ready to discover answers now. Not in a year from now.

I have always provided full research services customized to a client’s needs. It is not a one size fits all or click this one record and you have your answers business. I have spent a decade studying WWI and WWII military records for all branches and doing client work that extends beyond this to Korea and Vietnam. I developed a proven system being taught in the country or written about in books, on how to reconstruct service history start to finish for WWI – Vietnam. I have spent two decades studying and researching genealogy for my family and clients.

So what do I mean by genealogy and military record retrievals are not equal?

In the genealogy world we may have a question like, ‘Did my great uncle Albert have a wife and kids? or Who was his second wife?’ With that, a record retrieval person can be hired to obtain specific records from an archive which may answer those questions. Obituaries. Vital Records. Probate files. Church records. Land records. Just to name a few examples.

Now, if we want to know, ‘What did my uncle Albert do in the Army in WWII?’ That requires multiple records, especially if the Official Military Personnel File (OMPF or service file) burned in 1973. One military record never gives us the whole story. Not even the discharge paper because the unit on that document is a final unit – not necessarily the only unit or even the one the man saw combat with. Learn more about this by watching the RootsTech video on the main page of my website.

Example

There are record retrieval firms advertising they will pull Company Morning reports – one fee – and you HAVE to take the full month you request. There is no other option. Click to add to cart. You also have to know what company your soldier was with to get the reports.

What is wrong with this scenario and why are you wasting your money and time if you choose this option?

Morning Reports document changes in a soldier or airman’s service. If they had no change in a month – they will not show up in a report. See below for a link to several articles about these reports.

Men moved through multiple units throughout the war. Even with a discharge paper or IDPF (death file) you still have the final unit. That does not provide you with all units.
One month of Morning Reports are not usually valuable for most people wishing to know what their father, grandfather, uncle, etc. did in the war. Why?
1. If you only request one month and your guy leaves that unit on the 3rd of the month – the rest of the papers you receive have nothing to do with your guy’s service.
2. If he doesn’t appear in the reports for that company until late in the month – again you have a lot of papers that have nothing to do with your service.
3. If he had no changes then he does not even appear in the reports.
4. In times of high combat, the report writers barely kept up with documenting changes in personnel, let alone write a record of events. The record of events is very helpful in understanding daily experiences of the company.
Pulling one month does not allow for reconstruction of service history.
When we consider record retrievers who will not reconstruct service by moving through various morning reports, we have to ask – do they even understand how to use these records or reconstruct service history?

Read several articles about Morning Reports here that explain further why you require these records and why one month will not fill your needs.

Retrieving Morning Reports is one example, but there are many others I could go into. So how do you know if you need a record retriever or a full service researcher?

Record retrievers are good if you want an OMPF (if it did not burn), Burial File, or IDPF. Those are larger files that contain a lot of information about a service member for any branch and any war. Also, if you need specific unit records or specific records from specialized repositories other than our National Archives. Be cautious about having other records retrieved because in a ‘click to add to cart’ situation, you often will not get everything you require and end up wasting a lot of money and time waiting for answers.

Full service researchers are good if you want answers to multiple questions, reconstruction of service, an exploration of unit records, connections to overseas researchers, and someone who will provide a fully sourced research report and answer your questions, along with providing documentation. Full service researchers will pull the appropriate military records that will help answer your questions. It is not a one size fits all click to add to cart experience.

Which researcher do I need?

Do I already know every unit my service member was in, regardless of branch? Or do I need to have this information discovered?
1. If no, then a full service researcher is suggested.
Do I only need a larger file that I know to exist?
1. If yes, either option would be appropriate.
What specific questions do I have that I would like answered? Will one report address this?
1. Usually a full service researcher is required.
I found information in a small archive/library/repository and need someone to view it and obtain copies.
1. Either option would be appropriate.

Additional resource: When and Why Do I Need to Hire a Military Researcher?

Final tips. Whatever research firm you end up choosing is up to your questions and research goals.

Explore the potential researcher websites to learn more about the people you are considering hiring for your needs. Do they have articles, resources, books, speaking engagements, or other materials that show you they know how to do the work?
Email and ask questions of the researchers to find the best fit.
Discuss your budget with the researcher.
Discuss your time with the researcher. This means to get an estimate of actual delivery of results. While many sites say 2-4 weeks, in reality, it could be longer.
Ask where you fit in the researcher’s schedule and how long a project should take. Depending on the depth of research and analysis required, and time it takes to obtain records, most projects for full reconstruction of history take 3-6 months. Some projects are shorter. It all depends on the client’s questions and needs.

Would you like help learning about your military family member’s service? Feel free to contact me to discuss possibilities with research projects. Also explore all our services. Finally, learn more about Jennifer with two videos on the main page of this website.

August 7, 2018 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Book Review – Sinner and Savior

One of my best friends, Connie Yen, released her second book, Sinner and Savior. Emma Molloy and the Graham Murder.

Intrigue. Scandal. Strong women. Mudslinging. Bigamy. MURDER!

Sinner and Savior has it all and more! Connie has done an amazing job taking the life of Emma Molloy, the multitude of letters between the parties, court documents, and newspaper articles, and combining them in such a way that makes the reader not want to put this book down.

Emma Molloy was a temperance movement speaker and newspaper writer and editor in the mid-late 1800s. For the time period, she was a well-educated, well-traveled, and outspoken woman. She spent a large part of her life traveling the country to speak on the ills of alcohol use in an attempt to help reform men who over imbibed. Her work also took her into the prisons to help inmates reform their lives. This is where she met George Graham.

Ahhh George Graham. I have very strong and negative feelings about this man. The way he behaves, the things he does, and how he responds to allegations of things he did during his lifetime, make me dislike him a lot. He seems to me, to get away with most things he does wrong in his life. Had he been a woman I do not think this would have happened.

As a woman, Emma’s every move was watched and written about in the newspapers. A great deal of judgment was passed on how she lived her life, which included divorce and re-marriage. Rumors were spread that she was involved in many affairs with men she tried to reform. The way we see the papparazzi today is similar to how people functioned then as far as mudslinging. Their medium for rumors and judgment was the newspaper. Not social media. The way women were treated and dragged through the mud then, while men who may have done something similar to which the woman was being crucified were more or less ignored, is similar to how it still is today. You would think after 100+ years we would have made more progress into men and women being equal.

Emma became friends with George Graham and felt he could be reformed. She invited him, his wife and children to live with her in various locations in the Midwest. Emma even employed George in her newspaper businesses. After George divorced his wife Sarah, and had moved again with Emma into her farm in Missouri, she felt George and her foster daughter Cora would make a good match. Little did Emma and Cora know that George had remarried Sarah, which made him a bigamist when he married Cora. With her family life more settled, Emma was able to continue traveling around the country while George and Cora tended the farm.

As the book progresses, we learn about the relationship between Emma, George, and Cora, which leads a reader to believe it was more than what was portrayed in public. It could be considered scandalous based on the time period. Today, most people would barely bat an eye. Sarah, George’s first wife chose not to step aside after George married Cora, and this is where the story becomes more interesting as Sarah disappears and later is found murdered.

This book is about so much more than murder, possible love affairs, or temperance. Connie uses court documents, letters, and newspaper articles in such a way that we can clearly see the true character of each person. The good and bad. As I read the book I commented to Connie that I could see this playing out on social media today. In the late 1800s, it was played out through the newspapers. Letters were written by George or Emma to each other or directly to the public and published in the newspapers. It was amazing to see how mean George could be and how much he could lie about things he had actually done and plead guilty to at various times.

Connie’s use of the materials and characters creates a compelling narrative that I couldn’t put down, though I did have to when mom duties called. Had mom duties not called, I could have read this book in one sitting. It drew me in and invoked emotions I was not expecting, particularly about George.

When you read this book, consider the following:

How are strong women portrayed in the media today? How are strong men portrayed? Where do the two meet and where do we still see a gap as far as what men are allowed to get away with that women are not?
If social media was alive and well in the 1800s – how do you see the correspondence and newspaper articles playing out online rather than in print medium?
What did you think of each character – particularly the witnesses who were “supposed” to be professionals? How much of that lack of professionalism do we see playing out today in various arenas?
Do you think Emma and Cora were part of the murder? Why or why not?
What do you think of George? Intelligent psychopath or a man who could never learn a lesson and change?

Have you read Sinner and Savior. Emma Molloy and the Graham Murder? I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Would you pose other questions than the ones I did for readers to consider?

Disclaimer: The book link is an affiliate link and I make a small royalty off your purchase. This does not affect your purchase price.

July 30, 2018 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Are You Exploring the Entire Combat Experience?

I’ve spent more than 20 years in the fields of genealogy/family history and military history with a focus the last decade on World War I and World War II. I taught myself a lot where genealogy was concerned and attended classes and conferences. I participated in the community’s professional genealogy education. Throughout everything I studied or read, the focus was on names, dates, places, sometimes historical context, but never on exploring the physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual side of family.

When I began researching in-depth both world wars, which led me to teach and write books on how to research any branch, there was no one to teach me what to do. No one in the country had written educational materials. Yes there were two very outdated books on barely researching Army service, but beyond that nothing existed. The few people who were starting to lecture on this were not going beyond the basics of “all the records burned and here are some online resources.” They skimmed the surface of what was available. Most still do. A decade ago there were military researchers and genealogy researchers who would pull records for you. A few would also help you understand what you were looking at. And again, I have noticed that no one is paying attention to the physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual side of service member’s experiences.

Why are researchers not looking at the entire experience? A holistic approach? Witnessing the changes that take place in the lives of my clients who choose this is amazing. I have observed that both the genealogy and military communities tend to shy away from this because it is too “crazy”, “out there”, “spiritual”, or “woo-woo”. It’s not acceptable to talk about such things or admit we converse with the dead or can heal. But what if it is acceptable and people stopped being so afraid to be who they really are and show this side of themselves with their clients?
Exploring all of these aspects of a service member’s experience has been part of the work I do for many years. It began with research into my own family stories and those who died, and the few who returned changed, from World War I or World War II. Knowing their experiences affected the entire family and trickled down through our DNA, finding answers to questions, disinterring family secrets, and understanding who my military family members were and who I am has been an ongoing journey for me. I’ve done a tremendous amount of writing both in books I’ve published and my own journals in an attempt to sort it all out. We don’t often consider the things that trigger us or upset us are actually not ours. We are just conditioned or have it in our DNA that this is “normal” when in reality, we can find answers, heal and release it. Then we are no longer at the effect of the trigger.

In the last couple of years, the people who ask to work with me on military projects are looking for the basic answers of course. This is why people start research – they have unanswered questions or family stories that do not make sense. Yet these last two years specifically, have brought a new kind of client my way, mixed in with those who just want answers. People are showing up who require not only an understanding of what the combat situation was for their family member, but also the effects of the emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical experiences. Through the writing and teaching I have done, I offer a depth that is not found elsewhere. This calls to some people seeking that, which has caused a shift in which potential clients choose to work with me.

In some cases, the clients do not intend to explore these areas, but through the research process and discussion of what was discovered, different emotions and questions rise. It is my job to help clients understand on the different levels, what the information means and how it affects them today.

I have had clients who have a deep need to understand their father’s (or other family member’s) role in the war. What was his specific mission? Why was he stationed where he was? What affect did he in his one role out of millions, play to help win the war? What caused his alcoholism, PTSD, anger, rage, the physical/emotional/mental abuse he put on his family? Why did he leave his family?

Perhaps the most important questions then rise – Who was my father (or other family member) REALLY? Who am I now that I know this? How does this knowledge and understanding change me?

Using the research skills I have, my empath and medium capabilities, with many other capacities and gifts I have, clients leave the project with answers. Issues cleared and put to rest. A better understanding of who their family member was and who they are. Even clients who are not specifically looking for this and may not be aware it is happening, they too are affected by the project outcome.

Many clients go on to process the information in their own way- creating art, writing a book or memoir, simply journaling for themselves, writing or playing music, and a multitude of other things we use to process and cope with our own things. One client (named with her permission), artist and World War II historian, Erin Faith Allen, has dedicated much of her life to studying and understanding war, trauma, what causes people to choose what they choose. Learn more about Erin, her amazing artwork, and her new book “The In Between”.

Have you been searching for a researcher who can take you beyond names, dates, and places? Would you like to find answers to your family’s questions and explore not only their military experience but other levels? Contact me today to discuss research project options, timelines, costs, and outcomes.

© World War II Research and Writing Center

July 27, 2018 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Travel Gives a Different Perspective of WWII Research

In June 2018 my husband and I took a trip to Germany so I could visit some World War II sites I was researching. We spent a day with Doug Mitchell, who drove us around all along parts of the West Wall, showed us the dragon’s teeth, German bunkers, and filled our heads with history. It was a kind of gloomy day which was rather apt for the war theme for the day.

Three years ago I walked in the footsteps of my cousin James Privoznik, KIA 11 January 1945 near Bras, Belgium. I took his final burial flag with me to Europe and flew it over the Luxembourg Cemetery where he sleeps. That trip and walking in his footsteps changed my life in ways I could never have imagined.

Since that time I have walked in the footsteps of other family members and soldiers I am researching for clients who were unable to go to Europe. Walking in these places, seeing the past merge with the present, and the landscape over which they fought and often died, cannot be captured in words and pictures alone. It must be experienced. To fully grasp what your soldier might have experienced, you have to go stand where he stood and see the views. Even then it is difficult to wrap your head around it all.

This video was created on top of the Wallendorf Hitler Bunker. Note: In the video I mention I’m in Luxembourg which is incorrect – I’m actually in Germany. We drove across borders so often in one area that it was hard to keep up with which country was I in – Luxembourg, Belgium, or Germany. Doug reminded me where we were as we left, after I shot the video.

Where have you traveled and walked in your soldier’s footsteps? How did that change your life?

June 1, 2018 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Remembering Bernard Tom at Margraten

Johan and I spent Memorial Day weekend 2018, traveling from the Netherlands to Belgium, to Luxembourg, then back home through Germany. On Sunday of Memorial Day weekend we attended the Netherlands American Cemetery (Margarten). Johan adopted two graves there. One is for 101st Airborne Paratrooper, Bernard (Bernie) Tom. Watch Johan tell his story and subscribe to our newsletter list to stay up to date on the book about Bernie which will be released in 2019 for the 75th anniversary of Operation Market Garden, in which he jumped a couple of weeks prior to his death in the Netherlands.

Would you like help researching and telling the stories of your family’s service members? Contact us to discuss a research or writing project. Be sure to also check our our online courses to learn how to navigate the records (and the 1973 Fire) and locate information.

April 18, 2018 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

New Managing Editor at the WWII Research & Writing Center

I am so grateful to have, last month, hired Allie Gillies as my research assistant. One thing I have always done in my business is pay attention to the energy of people, what’s occurring, and what I perceive for the future. This allows me to change course as needed and I’m grateful to have hired someone who is able to do the same.

I quickly discovered Allie’s skills expand far beyond research and report creation. Her ability to change course quickly, create new materials, connect us with the homeschool community, and many other amazing capacities required we look at her job title and duties. Feeling also the energy of massive changes in the business this year, I am aware I will require two people in different positions.

I’m happy to announce that Allie Gillies is now the Managing Editor at the WWII Research and Writing Center.

Allie will be proofreading and editing our online courses and materials, books and publications. She will be creating curriculum to accompany our online course for Homeschoolers. As a former homeschooling mom, she has the skills to create coursework, curriculum and accompanying materials that will complement the online courses that the WWII Research and Writing Center offer. Allie’s love of history, her hobby doing genealogy and WWII research makes her a perfect fit for working with Jennifer Holik at the WWII Research and Writing Center.

Allie is our primary contact for homeschool resources at the WWII Research and Writing Center. She will be available to teach beginning genealogy classes in the Chicagoland area. Allie will also provide online support to homeschooling families as their students navigate the courses available to them. Contact Allie via email.

April 17, 2018 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

New Online Course Finding the Answers Through the IDPF

The World War II Research and Writing Center is pleased to announce the release of a new educational website. WWII Education, which will provide users to online courses, webinars, and more! We are excited to announce the release of our new course Finding the Answers Through the IDPF.

Course dates: May 14 – July 16, 2018

The Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF) is one of the most important files researchers can obtain for World War II service members who died or are still considered Missing In Action (MIA.) The details contained in these files are more than date of death, cause of death, and locations of burials. We learn about the service history, medical history, family stories and grief, decisions which had to be made by family members, family drama, the inability to recover remains, and sometimes connect with other researchers who have requested the file in the past.

This course will begin on Monday May 14 and run for 10 weeks. You will explore seven extensive modules, which include 27 downloads, case studies, and worksheets. Additionally, you will be given access to an exclusive Facebook Group during the course period plus two additional weeks, in which you can have conversations, share files, and connect with other researchers.

Registration to May 14 – access to the private Facebook Group.

Week 1: Course Introduction and Week 1 American Graves Registration Service

Week 2: Week 2 Locating and Identifying the Dead

Week 3: Continuation of Week 2

Week 4: Week 3 Understanding the IDPF Contents

Week 5: Continuation of Week 3

Week 6: Continuation of Week 3

Week 7: Week 4 Temporary Burial

Week 8: Week 5 Moving Deeper into the IDPF with case studies

Week 9: Continuation of Week 5

Week 10: Week 6 Course Wrap-Up

Additional two weeks – Facebook Group access.

Educational Benefits

In this 10 week course students will be exposed to the IDPF (Individual Deceased Personnel File) and the grittier aspects of war. There will be graphic images, and content, and emotional and personal letters from family members who want to know more about their soldier who died in action.

Jennifer Holik will go into great detail with some analysis of the cases and will find a guided connection to some of the dead. It is with great care and respect that the service and our staff work with the records of those Soldier Dead. This course is great for the mature 9^th-12^th grader who is interested in WWII and who will enjoy reading the personal stories of the Servicemen lost in action.

This course would suit to fulfill requirements for a High School History Course. The course releases new content each week. After 10 weeks the course will be available to use at your leisure.

Are you ready to get started?

Just click the link and get started today!

Researching your service member’s history can be complex. The World War II Research and Writing Center provides expert research experts to tackle your most challenging research questions. Contact us at info@wwiirwc.com for project details and costs. We have researchers on-site at the National Archives facilities to obtain materials within a few weeks, and a network of researchers and tour guides around the globe.

December 6, 2017 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Visiting the Land of my Ancestors – Part 2 (Prague)

This is day 2 of Visiting the Land of my Ancestors. Part 1 can be read here.

Our first full day on honeymoon in Prague. Yesterday we traveled and had an amazing time walking through part of the city. Today we were tired so chose to sleep as late as possible, without missing breakfast at the hotel, and do as little as possible and more thoroughly enjoy what we chose to see and do.

After breakfast the first target of the day was to find me some kolacky. My grandma used to bake them. While I could drive 30 minutes to a Czech bakery in Chicago to get some, I never do. They take a while to make so I don’t bake them either. Kolacky isn’t something you find in most restaurants in Prague. We asked at the hotel front desk where I could get some and the market down the street was suggested. Kolacky, we were told, was more of a rural tradition on special days. Not something you find on most menus. Apple Streudel – not that is on practically every menu. Sadly on Saturday there was no market. We did however go into a large shopping mall in search of something for Johan and in the lowest level, found a cart selling traditional Czech pastries!! Yes!!!

After purchasing my Czech sweets we headed out to wander the Old Town Square in full daylight. We took more photos of the astrological clock – one of my favorite things in Prague. We went into the Old Town Hall to look at their information brochures and found a WWII in Prague tour. I contemplated touring the Old Town Hall but the wait was 45 minutes until the next tour which would go into the Gothic and Roman Cellars. We were tired so I opted to wait until Sunday to see if I still wanted to do it. It was a good thing I waited. While we were there, the Old Town Hall was having some outside restoration done so most of the building was covered. I guess next time we’ll see it in all it’s glory.

After a coffee, we explored some more and found some gorgeous doors and art in the city. When I stroll around Chicago, I always look up to see what is on the buildings. In Prague my head almost got stuck in the “looking up” position. There was so much to see from art above doorways, Mother Mary watching over us in many locations, hanging door signs, statues, paintings, mosaics, and so much more. There were also so many old doors to look at. I have a thing for doors. I do. I LOVE old doors. I always wonder what their story is. Who used to go through them. Into what new world did the enter? How did that change their life? If I went through one, what would happen? Could I time travel? What adventures could I have? So many doors.

We took a walk and ended up at one bridge at the river. Not the Charles Bridge. That was yet to be crossed. After taking some photos of Prague Castle and looking down the river toward the Charles Bridge, and thenadmiring more art on buildings, we wandered near Wenceslas Square and found some lunch in an outdoor cafe. The cafe was called Švejk after the book The Good Soldier Svejk. I had heard of this book, but have not read it. Johan was much more well educated on Švejk though.

When we finished eating I wanted to powder my nose so headed inside the restaurant. The walls were lined with Švejk Stained Glass or paintings. Merchandise lined some shelves. As I proceeded down three levels to the Roman Cellars, I finally found the powder room and several other rooms with more stained glass on the walls and also over the bridge that was on the level above me connecting rooms. It was incredible. I took a few photos before I left. I wonder how many people go down there to just stand in awe of the beautiful art…. The last photo is the bridge. Beneath this row of photos is one stained glass which is a bridge panel.

I do admit I had to see the stained glass more than once so ventured down to the cellars again. The cellars themselves are amazing and gorgeous. Most of the restaurants have small rooms off the main cellar – as you can almost imagine from the bridge photo above – rooms off to each side of the tunnel. The spaces are magical and inspiring. You do, in a way, time travel to the Gothic and Roman times when you go into the depths of these buildings. I wonder how many of my ancestors would have done that in these buildings – of course in a time they were more street level.

From there we wandered up and down Wenceslas Square, which contained more art on the buildings. This is another area of Prague you could explore for hours – just looking up at the buildings. Art, statues, architecture. Just gorgeous.

Without intent to take it easy today, we ended up back at the hotel for a coffee, snack and rest before venturing out for the concert in Our Lady of Tyn Church. Dinner we decided, would have to come after the concert.

The concert was incredible and featured some of the same members as the group the night before. On Saturday night they added the organ, an opera singer who sang Ave Maria, and a trumpet player who played a few songs. I enjoyed most of the concert, but not so much the organ. One organ song is ok. After that……. The soloist who sang Ave Maria was wonderful. I was grateful we took advantage of this experience. It was a great end to another magical day.

Of course, after the concert we were starving. Not quite finding something that we wanted in the Square, we ended up back at the hotel and had a lovely dinner, with of course, a Pilsner!

My second day in the land of my ancestors brought more magic and possibility to my life. And more awareness that yes, Jennifer can relax on a trip and just enjoy slowing down. Thank you husband for helping me do that.

November 29, 2017 by Jennifer Holik Leave a Comment

Visiting the Land of my Ancestors – Part 1

Life is an adventure. Something to be experienced and enjoyed. I often ask, ‘How does it get any better than this?‘ When I ask that question, magic happens.

For many years I didn’t feel like there was much of that unless you count raising three boys an adventure, which I often do. Having twins has made most days an experience beyond anything I’d known. Then in 2015 I embarked on a new adventure – traveling to Europe. Since that trip and the choices I made because of the experiences I had, life continues to be ever changing and some days I don’t even recognize myself.

Who am I today? That is a question I often ask.

We all make choices in life to pay attention to some things while ignoring others. To stay isolated versus being with new people. We stick so much to our family stories and who we ‘believe’ we are and our family members are, that we often shut out the possibilities of what could be. We often close ourselves off to the possibilities of experiences, people, jobs, travel, and healing that could change us in ways we desire but are too afraid to embrace. I speak from experience.

Yet when we take that one chance, our entire reality can change. I took that chance after my first trip to Europe and it led to meeting the most amazing man, who is now my husband. Johan offered up several places for us to go on honeymoon. One was Prague. When he offered this as a possibility, my entire body and soul lit up and started dancing and yelling, ‘YES LET’S GO THERE!!!’

Feeling there were reasons beyond my immediate understanding of why I had to go to Prague, I was completely aware there was something greater than myself at work here. I knew without a doubt this trip would change my life and the lives and souls of others. I also knew it would bring me home.

My Czech Family

This was my first trip to the Czech Republic. Our plane ride from Amsterdam to Prague was short and my heart beat faster as we got closer to Prague airport. Seeing the land of my ancestors made me almost cry as I heard their voices welcoming me home and reminding me I was not only here for myself but also them.

All of my family lines, which I have traced back to the early 1800s in most cases and 1600s in another line, were in what was Bohemia, then Czechoslovakia. All of those who emigrated, came to Chicago. Where did my ancestors come from before where my research ends? I’m starting to figure that out after not looking at my genealogy for several years. I’m also waiting for a DNA kit to arrive so I can learn more and hopefully have some questions answered. Many who heard my surname, Holik, welcomed me home. It felt so good to be welcomed home.

What surnames make up my family?

Holik from Senetín and before that, Ledec nad Sázavou

Rataj/Ratay from Pisek

Brouk from Holovousy, Chric,

Schubert/Subrt & Kocka from Hresilavy and Chric

Tregler & Svihlik from Kladno, Motycin near Prague

Kokoska/Kokaska from unknown at this time but likely near Osek as he married a Priban.

Priban from Osek where the family lived for over two centuries

Zajicek from Pilsen

Hammer/Hamer from Drakov, Kraj Tabor

Exploring Prague

Johan and I stayed at the K+K Hotel in Prague just down the street from the Powder Tower and Municipal Center. This hotel was full of Art Deco, which Johan loves. Seeing so much Art Deco and Mucha art in Prague, I’ve now become a fan. We arrived late afternoon and there were two main things I wanted. Kolacky and for dinner – either roast duck or roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut. Of course I wanted to see some sights, but Czech food was high on my list.

We ended up walking first to the Powder Tower and passed some WWII war memorials on the buildings as we walked. Next to the Tower is the Municipal Center, which is filled with Art Deco. Simply gorgeous. One can spend hours looking at all the details and stained glass and mosaics. We were in need of a snack so headed into one of the restaurants in the building called Kavárna, which had a cart filled with cake options. Of course we each chose a different cake so we could sample two options.

After enjoying our cake and coffee and exploring a little more of the building, we ventured out …. destination unknown. Thankfully Johan is a master navigator and we can walk all over a city and he always knows where he is and how to get anywhere we want to go. I’m not always so great at this.

Having made only a short list of things we ‘must-see’ on this trip, we were happy to see where our feet took us and what showed up along the way. Our walking took us down a long road to the Old Town Square where we found Our Lady of Tyn Church. This was on my list of things to see. We arrived after 5 p.m. so it was closed. Outside there was a sign for a classical music concert the following evening. How amazing would it be to hear that in a centuries old church? We bought tickets and I asked, ‘How does it get any better than this?’

Walking back to the square we admired the gorgeous architecture on the buildings, watched people as they made their way through from one place to another. Watched street performers and heard bits of music. We made our way across the square to another church (I love churches) and found St. Nicholas Church. They were having a concert that evening at 7:30 and were going to play something from my favorite composer – Dvořák and his From the New World! I may have gotten VERY excited over the possibility of hearing this in a church so Johan agreed we could get tickets. Two concerts, two nights in Prague! ‘How does it get any better than this?’ It didn’t take long to find out! We kept walking the square and soon found the Old Town Hall and when we walked around the side, there was the Astronomical Clock! Needless to say, I kept asking the question the rest of the night and amazing things showed up.

By this time it was getting close to 6:00 and we needed to find some dinner before going to the concert. As luck would have it, we found The White Horse restaurant which had outdoor seating. It was very noisy and getting chilly, so the hostess suggested we eat in their cellars. That sounded interesting and less noisy so we agreed. We walked down two levels of old stone stairs and ended up eating in the Roman Cellars. It was magical! And of course, they had roast duck, dumplings, and sauerkraut! It was a lot and I ate it all. Delicious!

After dinner we went to St. Nicholas Church to hear the concert. The music, atmosphere, lighting, and history all brought ghosts from the past to join us to enjoy the magic of the music and space. The group consisted of violinists, cellists, and a bass. They played Ravel’s Bolero, Dvořák’s Symphony Number 9 in E Minor, Pachelbel’s Canon, and some Mozart, Bach, and Vivaldi. Many times tears came to my eyes as my heart swelled with the rise and fall of the music in that sacred space. It was an amazing way to close out our first day in Prague.

Prague at night is magical. The buildings, art, lights, people, music. We enjoyed the way the Old Town Square looked after the concert on our walk back to the hotel. Little did we know one more surprise awaited us…..champagne and chocolates from the hotel staff wishing us a happy marriage.

Our first partial day in Prague was incredible. So many emotions and experiences and a profound sense of being home. Where would the next three days take us? Who would we meet? What would we see and experience? How would our lives be changed? What did my ancestors have in store for me beyond the magic provided this first day? Stay tuned to find out and learn some travel tips in the final article.