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Looking Back, Moving Forward: The Meaning Behind Family Connections
Mother’s Day has passed, but for many people, the reflections remain long after the day itself. This season often brings thoughts of mothers, grandmothers, and the generations of women whose lives shaped our families in ways both seen and unseen. Some family stories are well known and carefully preserved. Others contain unanswered questions, missing pieces, or connections that were never fully understood. For many individuals, those questions quietly remain for years. The Des
marlaboren
5 days ago2 min read


DNA Day: Why April 25th Still Matters Today
April 25th marks one of the most important milestones in scientific history. In 1953, the structure of DNA was published, revealing the double helix — the foundation of how genetic information is stored and passed from one generation to the next. Fifty years later, in 2003, the Human Genome Project completed the mapping of the human genetic code, identifying the sequence of approximately 3 billion base pairs. Together, these discoveries transformed science. Today, they are tr
marlaboren
Apr 272 min read


The Reward of DNA Match Interpretation: Turning Results Into Meaningful Connections
Taking a DNA test is often the first step in a much larger journey. You receive your results. You see names, matches, and shared centimorgan numbers. And you begin to wonder what it all truly means. While DNA testing provides valuable information, the real reward comes through DNA match interpretation — the process of turning those results into clear, meaningful connections. From Information to Understanding DNA results on their own can feel overwhelming. A single match ma
marlaboren
Apr 202 min read


A Season of Restoration: Faith, Family, and Finding Connection
Easter is a season of reflection. It is a time that reminds us of hope, renewal, and restoration through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It speaks to the promise that even in uncertainty, there is meaning, and even in what feels lost, there is the possibility of being found. In many ways, this mirrors the journey of those searching for answers about their family. The Deep Desire to Know Where You Come From For many individuals, taking a DNA test begins with curiosity. But o
marlaboren
Apr 42 min read


Reflections from RootsTech 2026: Continuing the Journey of Family Discovery
Last week I stepped away from posting for a few days because I was attending the annual genealogy conference RootsTech 2026 —virtually this year. Even from home, the experience was inspiring. RootsTech brings together thousands of genealogists, historians, and family researchers from around the world to share ideas, research strategies, and new tools that help us better understand our family stories. The sessions I attended covered everything from traditional research methods
marlaboren
Mar 132 min read


You Don’t Have to Navigate DNA Results Alone
You took the DNA test. You opened the results. And now you’re not quite sure what they mean. Maybe there’s an unexpected match. Maybe you’re searching for a biological parent. Maybe the centimorgan numbers feel significant — but confusing. If you feel overwhelmed, you are not alone. DNA testing provides powerful data, but it does not automatically provide answers. A shared DNA amount can represent multiple possible relationships depending on age, generational placement, and
marlaboren
Feb 262 min read


How to Understand Your DNA Test Results: A Guide from an Investigative Genetic Genealogist
She stared at her DNA results longer than she expected to. “I thought this would answer my questions,” she said quietly. “But now I have more.” A new match had appeared. A name she did not recognize. A shared centimorgan number that felt significant. A family story that no longer aligned the way it once had. If you have taken a DNA test and felt confusion instead of clarity, you are not alone. Understanding DNA test results requires more than reading percentages or scanning m
marlaboren
Feb 183 min read
Closing Out 2025 with Gratitude! Looking Ahead to 2026!
As 2025 comes to a close, I find myself deeply thankful! Thankful for every client who trusted me with their story. Thankful for the courage it takes to ask hard questions. Thankful for the privilege of walking alongside you as evidence, DNA, and records revealed truth—sometimes expected, sometimes surprising, always meaningful. This year brought powerful reminders of why I do this work. Family history is never just names and dates. It’s identity. It’s connection. It’s unders
marlaboren
Dec 29, 20251 min read


A Journey of Faith: From Healthcare to Genetic Genealogy
Let me help decode your DNA story. With genetic expertise and investigative research, we'll illuminate the branches of your family tree.
marlaboren
Feb 18, 20253 min read


Discover Your Roots: How Genetic Genealogy Can Help You
Are you someone who is curious about your family history and wanting to uncover more about your roots? Look no further than genetic...
marlaboren
Dec 11, 20241 min read


Success Stories: How DNA Testing Led to Family Reunions
DNA testing has revolutionized the world of genealogy, leading to countless success stories of family reunions and connections that were...
marlaboren
Dec 11, 20242 min read


Uncover Your Family History with Genetic DNA Research
Have you ever been curious about your family history and wanted to uncover unknown relatives or connections? Genetic DNA research may...
marlaboren
Dec 11, 20242 min read
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