Why Genealogy?

Hi, I’m Wayne Karl Driver — and I’m absolutely fascinated by genealogy and history, especially when it connects to a person’s purpose in life. That passion didn’t just appear one day; it’s been a journey, and I’d love to take you back to where it all began.

In 1988, my mother, Geraldine Willanet Jackson Driver, passed away. While sorting through her personal papers, I stumbled across something unexpected — a family tree. Growing up, I had never given family history much thought. I knew my immediate family, the ones who lived nearby, and we did life together. But these other names and branches? Total mystery. Who were they, and why did my mother care enough to record them?

Once I picked up that family tree, I never put it down. At first, my curiosity zeroed in on my paternal side, which eventually led me to write articles and publish my book, The Road Back to Route 606 – The History of the Driver Family from Gloucester County, VA. Since then, I’ve expanded my research, weaving in DNA testing to back up the paper trail. Along the way, I’ve hit incredible highs and a few bumps in the road — all of which have shaped my perspective and brought me here, to this blog.

My goal? To share the good, the challenging, and the “wait, did that really happen?” moments of genealogy so others can navigate their own family history with confidence.

I truly believe no one is here by accident. When you trace your ancestry through the twists and turns of time, you start to see just how miraculous your existence really is — and that there’s a unique purpose behind your birth and survival.