Michael Maher was born and educated in South Dakota.  He was raised on farms and as the oldest grandchild, was able to work with grandparents there, in their later years.  Conversations with Grandparents led to a lifelong love of exploring the family history and genealogy.  Along with siblings, he was raised in the Catholic faith and with his questioning character, wondered about general religious beliefs and customs, the differences between religious organizations and through an amazing connection, set out to find his own truth about who we are and about source.