These days I’m reminded of the famous saying, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” The phrase comes from Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck’s story of the Great Depression, but originated with Scottish poet Robert Burns: “The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley.”

When I googled further about Robert Burns, I realized he and my 4X great-grandfather, Henry McIlwaine, were both born (circa 1759) in Ayrshire, Scotland. “Down the rabbit hole” I went again, researching my Scots-Irish family line. Many of you understand how that happens—and may be doing it yourself as a pleasant, temporary escape from the uncertainties of COVID-19.

I've frequently thought about the parallels between our current distressing circumstances and the Great Depression years. Roberta Estes, writing the blog DNA eXplained -- Genetic Genealogy, shared her reflections on the subject in her April 7th posting titled "Pandemic Journal: The Influence of the Great Depression and How It's Saving Us Right Now." Take a few minutes and read it here.