It's horrible. You have no idea where they came from, (ok Guernsey and I think after WWI) what happened, nothing. Not even orally. I don't know anyone on my Dad's side except a his Dad's bro and 2nd wife (my great aunt and uncle) and my first cousins. Nothing of my Grandmother's family.
They would never discuss it. At Grandma's funeral I was introduced to family I had never met.
So, I try to keep bits and pieces. Not to make an official record at this time. But just so there's something.
Sheri