Transformative Journeys of Ancestry: Honoring Loved Ones Beyond Borders

Have you ever thought about how we honor the people we’ve lost? Like, beyond the usual funeral and the family gathering? I recently came across this remarkable story that really changed the way I think about memorials and remembrance — and I wanted to share it with you.

So, it starts with a man who always believed he was Irish through and through. His parents and grandparents were Irish. There were stories common to Irish families of escaping the Great Potato Famine, traveling by sea in steerage class, then disembarking at Ellis Island, before making their way in New York. This elder's family carried on all sorts of Irish traditions: Easter dinners with brisket, potatoes, and carrots, whiskey flowing freely, and Oh, Danny Boy sung at wakes. This deceased father and grandfather owned a carpentry shop, too.  And every St. Patrick’s Day, his shop sponsored a float in the parade, proudly waving the Irish flag. For decades, this Irish identity was rock solid.

But here’s where it gets interesting: shortly before he passed away, the family decided to do DNA ancestry tests. The oldest daughter had given them as Christmas stocking stuffers to most of the family. They received their reports shortly after their elder passed. And the results? Well, they sort of blew the whole “all Irish” thing out of the water. Their recently deceased and beloved father and grandfather, brother, and husband was:

• 30% Irish


• 25% British


• 30% Spanish


• 5% Kenyan


• 5% Japanese


• 5% Scottish

Pretty wild, right? The British and Scottish parts weren’t shocking given historical migrations and border shifts, but the Spanish, Kenyan, and Japanese roots — that was unexpected, to say the least.

Instead of ignoring or feeling unsettled by this, the family embraced it. They carefully asked the mortuary to prepare several small containers of their dad’s cremains. Then, over the next three years, they saved money, did research, and planned something profoundly moving and unique: 17 relatives traveled to those countries where their grandfather’s DNA came from, reaching out to distant relatives and honoring the lands and ancestors they never knew they had.

This was not just a trip; it was a series of transformative journeys.

What stood out to me was what one of the teenagers in the family suggested — at each memorial service, they would call out their grandfather’s name but would also honor the ancestors whose names were new to them in each place. This was important: the family learned and then made plans to incorporate culturally appropriate ways to honor their ancestors.  They had documents from each place that added to their family tree. One of the young adults in the family was a filmmaker; she took documentary footage in each place, getting permission regarding ways to be respectful of local traditions related to remembrances for the dead. So, in Spain, Kenya, and Japan, alongside Ireland and the British Isles, they held ceremonies that connected past and present, weaving together a family history far richer than anyone had imagined.

It’s such a beautiful example of how transformative travel can bring healing and understanding to families, connecting you to parts of your identity you never knew existed. This kind of journey redefines what it means to honor those who came before us — it’s not just about tradition, but about discovery and inclusivity.

It got me thinking — how do we honor our dead? Is it in the rituals and customs we've always known, or can it be in ways that reveal something new about ourselves and those who came before us? Can a memorial become a transformational experience for the living as much as it is for those who have passed?

If this story inspires you, I highly recommend checking out the book, Wanderlust Wisdom: Journey Beyond Borders. It’s packed with stories of transformative vacations and journeys that spark new perspectives on life, ancestry, and personal growth.

Whether you’re considering how to honor a loved one, or just curious about what transformative tourism really means, this story and the book together might just open a door you never thought about stepping through. Transformative trips are about so much more than sightseeing — they’re about healing, connection, and expanding our view of who we are.

So if you’re ready for a journey that reaches beyond borders — of geography, culture, and even time — buy Wanderlust Wisdom: Journey Beyond Borders now and embark on your own transformative journey.

And next time you think about honoring someone you love, maybe consider what new paths you could explore to keep their memory alive in your heart — and maybe connect with ancestors you never knew you had.

Thanks for listening. Until next time, take care and keep seeking those moments that change you.