A Family Education

I wish that I knew more about my ancestors.  I don’t necessarily want to know if they were famous or did something cool.  I want to know what they were like, what their sense of humor was, how they cared for family, what occupied their thoughts.  I’ve recently uncovered a lust for history, specifically my history. 

 

The electronic age will surely mean that people will know about us for many years, if they choose.  My great great granddaughter may read this someday and that thought is astonishing.  How I wish that I could uncover a journal from my great great grandpa Charles, who lived in the 1850s.  The only information I have about him or his wife, Esther, is what limited memories my own grandfather has. 

 

These moments with grandpa and his lucid memory are so precious, though few.  Often, I have to ask similar questions a couple times during the conversation to clarify and confirm his answers.  I love a good story too and when he tells them, I try to memorize every word. I've written a lot of them down and wish that I had the energy and time someday to compile them.  The writer in me longs for so much.

Last year, when my family was helping my grandfather downsize from his house to an apartment, we came across a jewel... an old family trunk, filled with pictures and letters.  I received an amazing education that day.  I met my great great grandfather, who was the original owner of the trunk.  I met his children and their families.  I held a stack of love letters that my great great grandparents exchanged before they were married.  I felt so honored to have this peek into my past.  I hope for more days like that soon.  It made me wonder... will any of my ancestors be in Heaven?  I have so many questions for them.

Photo by Ann Ilagan

 Do you ever wonder about the people you came from?