"Genealogy begins as an interest, becomes a hobby, continues as an avocation, takes over as an obsession, and in its last stages is an incurable disease."
I initially set out to research the Ruehland side of the family, as there was no written history at all. However as all genealogists would know it is very easy to get side tracked. So consequently I have gathered as much information as I can from all branches of the family.
I am unsure as to the correct spelling of my family name. I have reliable information that the German spelling of the name would most likely be spelt as Rühland. The name Ruehland indicates an umlaut over the (u). Often German names were spelt that way to get rid of the unfamiliar (in other languages i.e. amlaut)
I am interested in hearing from any person who might have a connection to any of my listed families. I am willing to share any information that I have. I am particularly interested in making the German family connection.
When the sun sets on our outward journey and our children reflect upon our lives as parents, their memories will not be stirred by our qualifications, our financial status or our educational stature. They will not be preoccupied with the furniture we left them, jewellery we now wear, the material things we have been able to leave behind. What will linger in their memories and cause them to smile, or to move them to tears, will all have to do with the fact that we gave ourselves to them. It is as a caring parent that our children will remember us most of all - tender sympathy, compassion in their disappointments, and such things. It will not matter that you have managed to do it perfectly nor even that you did so consistently - but deep in their hearts they will know that they were the centre of your love and concern - that you cared that they made right choices.
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