I began doing research into my family history a number of years ago because I was curious as to how much truth there was to the many stories my grandpa told me when I was just a child. So far, there are little snippets here and there that ring very much true. But there is also so much more!! I just wish he was still around so we could compare notes. The same goes for many other members of my family. But, it seems time is not on our side when it comes to much of this ancestry business.
I guess the over arching message I glean from my search is to tell your family story! Better yet--write it all down--as much of it as you can! Because, undoubtedly, someone in the future will take an interest in it just as you have, and will be so happy that you made the effort to record your family's many faceted journey...