Amy Choate-Nielsen: Some lessons in life take 30 years to learn

Along the way, there are fascinating names and storylines, like my distant cousin Rufus who was a semi-famous senator and lawyer, and my great-great grandfather Gabriel who was a Texas Ranger chasing down outlaws in the late 1800s. There's also the mystery of how we became Choates in the first place — John's father, Robert Choate, born in the late 1500s, appears out of nowhere to parents with surnames Smith and Deane — that I'm determined to solve.

It make have taken 30 years, but my dad's pleas have finally sunk in.

Now, I just hope it doesn't shorten his life expectancy.

Amy Choate-Nielsen is a full-time mom and part-time writer. She spends her days at the park and her nights at the computer. She writes about family history and her quest to understand life while learning about her deceased grandmother, Fleeta.