Ancestry DNA continues to surprise me every day. Every morning while my coffee perks I turn on my computer and open my ancestry account. I then look through my unviewed DNA connections. I’m always hoping I have a new DNA connection that has a linked tree. Usually, I find a new DNA connection with just a few people on it and I can sort of figure out how they connect. Sometimes I just look under surnames on a tree. Sometimes I get lucky and they also have the name of their grandparents. I then “do genealogy.” First, I get my coffee so I can have the energy to look through all the records that connect to their grandparents as a couple and see how they connect to me. If I find how my DNA connects to me, I usually send them a message.

“Hi, I’m Lilly Resto Y Marin, and it appears we share DNA. I’d love to exchange stories and delve deeper into our shared heritage. Feel free to look at my public tree, and don’t hesitate to reach out.” Here’s my email, puertoricoancestry2022@gmail.com. Will you please share your parents and grandparents’ names if you know them? Even if you don’t, please write back.”

Let’s go back to August of 2020. We are in full-on Covid lockdown in New York. I had been dabbling in family history with my sister, Melanie Resto. Her friend Paula had an ancestry account and let me “borrow it” to research. I didn’t want to pay for an ancestry account…yet, but I did get a DNA test kit and I was waiting for my results to come in. I could see a couple of Mijon’s had taken a DNA test kit but I didn’t want to reach out until my results came in. I was so excited and let’s be real what else was I doing? I couldn’t go to the gym, or shopping, or out to lunch with my friends so I researched my family.

On October 30, 2020, I called my sister. My results are in and now it’s time to get my own paid ancestry account and link it to my DNA. Just like that, I have Mijon connections! Woo, Hoo!! I was so excited. I had already looked to see if any Mijon’s were on Facebook so I took that approach and sent Michael Mijon a message. “Hola Michael” I went on to say how we connected and how my father’s family didn’t know anything about why his mother was orphaned. We chatted for a bit and talked about how we would get together someday.

Long story short we figured out our connection. My great-grandfather, Guadalupe Mijon Y Cintron is the brother of Jose Nazario Mijon Y Cintron. Wow, I am connected to my great-grandfather’s great-grandnephew! DNA is amazing! It has changed the world of family history. Making the world so much more connected.

The invitation arrived in the mail. Erica and Austin were getting married on February 24, 2024, and my husband, Bret, and I were invited. I didn’t have to think twice. I booked the blocked hotel, I booked the flight, and I booked the car rental. I was also invited to the bridal brunch. My husband and I were invited to the rehearsal dinner and the wedding. I was ready to meet my Mijon family. I’m sure my friends and family were tired of me talking about meeting my family. I can just imagine every time the word ancestry or family history comes up they tune me out. That’s okay, I’m also the one they call when they have a question, lol.

We arrived in Columbia, South Carolina late evening of February 22, 2024. I sent Cheryl Mijon (Erica’s mom) a message that we had arrived. After a long travel day, we had a quick hotel dinner and went to bed.

The next morning I was well rested, showered, and ready to meet my cousins, Erica, Cheryl, Alida, and Sharon at Erica’s Bridal Brunch. I felt so special as I was introduced as Erica’s cousin. Erica is Michael and Cheryl’s daughter. Alida is Michael’s sister, and Sharon is his niece. We chatted, took many photos, and had a nice breakfast with Mimosas. It was nice getting to know Erica through the eyes of her friends. Erica was described as a bubbly, fun, life of the party, with so much love for everyone around her, a great friend, and always ready to have a great time.

Fast forward to the rehearsal dinner, where I met all the extended family including Don, (Alida’s son), Willie, and Jonathon (Sharon’s husband and son). Willie, and I talked about family history. I felt like part of the family. I listened to a toast about how Erica and Austin met, their adventures, and the love they have for their family and friends who have known them forever. Once again getting to know Erica more and now learning about Austin. I can say they make a great couple and when they look into each other’s eyes you know they have the kind of love that will last. As we toasted to love, laughter, and happily ever after I couldn’t help but marvel at the serendipity of it all.

Erica looked gorgeous in her gown with lace flower details which flowed from top to bottom with a cathedral train. And then, as Erica glided down the aisle on the arm of her beloved, Austin, radiating with beauty and grace, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe wash over me. In that moment, surrounded by loved ones old and new, I realized that the true magic of ancestry lies not in the records or documents, but in the connections we forge with one another, uniting us in a shared tapestry of love, laughter, and familial bonds that transcend both time and distance.

Hasta la vista, Until we meet again,

Lilly Resto Y Marin

Lilly Resto Gunderman