I’m a journalist by nature, so sometimes during the work day I have to take the time researching the internet for things that I’m curious about. This could be anything from the dynamics of the military demarcation zone between North and South Korea to divorce proceedings between Kelsey and Camille Grammer. My mind is never at rest and my curiosity knows no bounds.
So a few weeks ago I got to thinking about family trees. There was a good point in time where I was an Ancestry.com fanatic, because I go through stages and most of them are weird. Have you ever been on Ancestry.com? There’s so much information! And all you have to do is put in people’s names! Ok, settle down. I’m getting ahead of myself.
My dad’s side of the family is the one I know the least about. My grandfather was born in 1896, and his family is from Ireland, so it’s more difficult to trace than my mom’s side, who will basically tell you anything you need to know after a few drinks. Needless to say, I know more than enough about the Turnbulls. Anyway…
I started plugging in my dad’s parents’ information. There was very little in the form of documents on Ancestry.com. I searched around a little for my grandmother and grandfather, but couldn’t find anything that seemed like a direct match. Still not wanting to get back to work, I clicked on my dad’s name. There was one record for Denis Carroll from Hartsdale, NY. And oh, how great it was.
Behold my father’s yearbook photo from 1967. According to this he was a member of the basketball team two years, the baseball team four years, the science club for two years and the glee club for one year (these last two I find highly questionable). There are so many great things about this picture.
Let’s talk about Denny Carroll’s swagger eyebrow. When I was growing up, you did not want that thing to arch, or you were in so. much. trouble. I’m also highly enjoying the side part, which is a look I rock today and I have to say, looks great on both of us. And the blazer and skinny tie. Straight. Swagger. But such a baby!
When I found this picture I immediately texted it to everyone I know. What a find! How great is this?? My mom texted back, “Now you know why I fell in love with him.” What? Why aren’t you the least bit curious as to how I have this photo in the middle of the work day. Did Mom think I met someone on the street corner outside my office and he discreetly passed me an envelope of old photos of my dad he’s been hoarding for 40 years? I bet she did. I mean, honestly, I wouldn’t put it past myself.
So Merry Christmas to me! And to all of you out there I know want to have something on Uncle Den! Maybe the next time you eat his Cheez-its, you’ll remember the angry eyebrow.
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