For History
Have you ever wondered about your ancestry? More specifically, those who came before you and are 100% responsible for your existence. I’m sure many of us can attest to the fact that there’s a broad interest in geneology and the reason is we, as human beings, and inhabitants of this world often wonder about our history. There’s weighted signifiance due to the fact that by understanding where you came from, you only then begin to truly realize who you really are.
For the past few months my own family’s history has been lingering in my mind. Partly because as I become older my knowledge of my family’s historical background becomes more prominent and meaningful to me. It’s pushed to the forefront of my thoughts because it’s important to me to be able to keep my ancestor’s alive through their own personal stories of triumph, perserverance, heroism and conflict.
At times I feel as if I’m secluded in this world, but the reality of it is that those who lived tens, hundreds and thousands of years ago may have experienced similiar situations and occurences that I’ve had to face during my lifetime. It’s a cycle, one in which there will never be a switch to pause, rewind or fast-forward.
Last weekend I nonchalantly asked my grandmother if she would be willing to write down a biography of her life. The night prior to my asking for this simple request I wondered if she would comply. I wasn’t necessarily doubting her by any means, but it’s certainly not an easy task to accomplish, writing down your life and trying not to end up with too much on the cutting room floor.
However, after my asking her to consider doing this, she simply replied, “I’d love to. For you, I’ll do it.” At which point she went on to tell me a few stories about her life including tales of World War 2 and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, two significant events in her lifetime that would forever change history for the better or worse, depending on how you look at it.
After I got off the phone, I couldn’t help but think about those who weren’t fortunate enough to obtain a historical reference of their family from a first-hand account. It’s lead me to believe that it’s extremely vital to the preservation of your ancestry to document your existence through a journal, handwritten letters, blogging or by simply sharing your story with your family. Only then will you truly exist for many years to come and you never know, there might even be tall tales made up in your honor. I don’t know about you, but I’d love to become a permanent aspect of the generations to come.
10 Comments, Comment or Ping
Yannick
Just like you I have often wondered about my family history. Recently my Aunt went back to China where my Grandfather’s family used to live and she found out quite a bit about our family. She was able to get pictures going way back also. It was very interesting and sparked me to learn a bit more also.
Sep 29th, 2005
beto
Good point. Oddly enough, that’s something we usually overlook in our families - one thing I do know though: if there were any connections to royalty or any highbrow blood issues, that would probably have been luxuriously documented and preserved. Unfortunately information about and beyond my grandparents is fuzzy at best, though I have been told my grand-grandpa was an Spaniard who had an habit of shooting first and asking questions later… so much for character heritage. :P
Sep 29th, 2005
kartooner
Yannick: Very neat, let’s hope that some of that information you obtain rubs off on future members of your family.
My family comes from several places around the world, including Norway, Ireland, England and Sicily to name a few. I’ve been trying to gather as much information as possible to connect the dots if you may.
beto: You’re absolutely right about royalty. They could actually afford to document ancestry, but in modern times there’s really no excuse not to with all of the different methods that are accessible to us.
Your Grandfather certainly wasted no time on petty words. :)
Sep 29th, 2005
Yannick
Yeah I hope that info does rub off on future members of the family.
Wow that’s a lot of places around the world your family is from. I absolutely LOVE Norway. Beautiful place.
All the best learning more about your family.
Sep 30th, 2005
anon
I suspect that my ancestors were very good at making themselves invisbile. I say that because brave people don’t usually live long enough to leave progeny. Also, I’ve quite good at disappearing into the wallpaper at the first sign of conflict. So, I probably come from a long line of cowards. I’ve wanted to find out more about my ancestors, but lke you there are so many branches to the family tree: Ireland, England, Poland Russia, the Netherlands and God knows what else. I’m a regular Heinz 57 varieties. Also, Americans are not good at keeping up with extended family. I did go to Ireland, but I can’t bear to go to Poland; lost everyone (50) there to the Nazis.
Sep 30th, 2005
Jorgeq
It’s funny that you’ve written an entry concerning this subject. A friend of mine is doing an assignment on the matter and she happen to ask me if I knew anything about my own history. With shame I answer “no”, but I’m in the process of diving into that.
Sep 30th, 2005
Dad
Nice story on Family History….good job. Oh and for the record I was born a poor white child, I like the blues and love a tuna sandwhich with a tab soda.
And yes, Grandma is still farting.
Love,
Dad
Some of this message is from the greatest movie ever made…can you guess which movie???
Sep 30th, 2005
Dad
Opps….I meant a “poor black child”….sorry.
Sep 30th, 2005
Spence
Try out Geneology.com. I have found a lot of useful information out there.
Spence
Oct 5th, 2005
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