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In 2011, I completed my Haakinson-Eide-Thormodsaeter family history book.  During this process, I found my heritage both rich and fascinating, even though I knew there would still be much more to discover about my roots.  Along the way, I have also made many new friendships that I want to cultivate further.  For these reasons, I began publishing this monthly blog entitled “Norwegian-American Cousin Connections.”

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When compiling my stories, I discovered one major drawback.  I was limited to past events and could not include the future.  How can I complete our family story when I don’t know when and whom sons and daughters will marry?  We want to know the accomplishment of these children or cousins as they fulfill their dreams of becoming Hollywood scriptwriters or crowned Miss Norway or a judge in northern Minnesota.  Many of these stories have yet to happen and be told so this forum has become the perfect way to share them.  While I have enjoyed sharing some of my stories, hearing your stories has also been fun.   

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To start things, I shared some stories omitted from my book due to space constraints.  Some are just facts; some are funny; others are sad, but I know they are enlightening.  I hope that as we pass on memorable moments and adventures that occurred as part of our daily life, we will grow closer together, with our roots going even deeper. 

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During the process, I have delved deeper into our shared heritage.  In doing this, I have discovered and am amazed at what our heritage has contributed to our nation and the world. 

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In writing these articles, I have generally stuck to our Norwegian and Norwegian-American culture or our family’s experiences.   I wanted to limit family stories to Norwegian or American descendants of the Haakinson, Eide, Sabo, Thormodsæter, and associated families originating from the Hardanger Fjord; the Husebys and Fedjes from the Sogne Fjord; and the Nelson/Jensen families from the Kristiansand-Lyngdal areas.

 

If you have suggestions for future stories, please email them to the email address below.  Since I want to avoid sending unsolicited communications, I am asking you to email a request if you or your family members wish to receive these articles.  I will make sure you are alerted when future articles are posted.