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A Grumpy Old Man’s Take on Historical ContextBy Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.08.23 Have you ever wondered why Great Uncle Bob always had a stash of canned beans in the cellar? Or why Grandma Maureen, in all her photos, had that look in her eyes, a mixture of determination and weariness? It is not just about having names and dates in your family tree. It’s the history, the backdrop, and the context! Understanding history ain’t just for school kids. Digging into your ancestors’ world is like adding color to an old black-and-white photo. Wars, migration, depressions – these weren’t just topics […]

By Pat Smart,Copyright (c), 20232023.08.16 Genealogy, the study of family ancestries and histories, has increased in popularity over the past few decades, the rise in DNA testing and online databases has only added to the popularity.  As exciting as it is to become a detective and piece together the mysteries of one’s past, it also comes with notable ethical responsibilities.  Diving into the past can unearth information that can be both unexpected and, in some cases, somewhat touchy in nature.  This makes it paramount for professional and amateur Genealogists alike to have empathy, respect, and discretion regarding their findings. 1.  Respect […]

The Importance of FamilyBy D. E. LeeCopyright (c), 1998 When you think back on your life,and remember what you’ve done,You soon begin to realize,the portion your family has won, For when your years at school have passed,and High School’s run its course,Your old time friends will soon depart,with or without remorse, Yet family remains an anchor still,especially when times get tough,You’ll find you’ll need them many times,whether timid or loud or gruff, And when they help you, as they should,remember what they’ve done,For friends seldom have commitment enough,to help unless it’s fun, You’ll loose your contact with your friends,but family […]

Through Ancestors’ EyesBy D. E. LeeCopyright (c), 1998 The past is not as dry as it seems, when seen through ancestors’ eyes, When viewing battles and events, their knowledge may be wise, For history comes alive when seen, from diaries, journals and such, By those who shared their daily lives, by writing in their hutch, Though writing may be crude and rough, the feelings they had are true, And things they’ve felt are much more strong, because they’re related to you, The things you’ll find you didn’t know, will surprise you as you read, You’ll find that others made it […]

My Ancestor’s LetterBy D. E. LeeCopyright (c), 2004 My ancestor wrote me a letter, ‘Lo these many years, Something to remember him by, Throughout this veil of tears, He told me of his earth life here, Of things he truly sought, He told me of his heart aches then, And what he really thought, And though it wasn’t directly to me, He had my welfare in mind, He wrote the letter thoughtfully, With words so very kind, He spoke of challenges I’d come across, And how to meet them well, And pointed out a safer path, A better way to […]

Your Link in TimeBy D. E. Lee,Copyright (c) 2003 Where have the years gone?They’ve flown by so fast!The children were in diapers,now that is far past, For one small eternity,your childhood stood still,But each passing year,more rapidly does fill, A life of expectations,of hopes and of dreams,A fulfillment of promises,to burst at the seams! But hardship and trial,were also your lot,As no one escapes them,like it or not! And through the tears,and sorrows you’ve won,Your Link in time,your place, bar none. You taught your childrento follow your steps,To avoid the pitfalls,and shun the depths, That they too may also,claim their […]

Will You Forget?By D. E. LeeCopyright (c), 1998 Do you know who you are,and from whence you came?Do you know where you’re going,or to you, is it all the same? Do you know your father,and his father before him?Will you know your son,or are we just here by whim? The opportunities you were given,by those that went before,Will you pass them to your children,and give them even more? What will you learn,from your father’s fathers, son?Will you just forget,all that they have done? And so forgetting,break the binding glue,And worse than that,forget your identity too.

How to Record Your Memories! By Dale E. Lee 2020.03.28 Summary: Detail: Reasons for recording Many of us get so caught up in life that we forget to record what has happened to us. We think that if we aren’t high up in government or other organizations that no one would be interested in knowing about our lives. And besides, who would be interested in the boring stuff we do every day? Actually, probably more people that you think. And they may be people other than your Grandkids. Many years in the future there will be those that are trying […]