The heroes that used to be

Do you do genealogy? I've been doing genealogy for about eleventy-forty-seven years and over the years I've developed quite a deep admiration for those brave souls who laid the groundwork for my comfortable life.  No, as far as I am aware, none of my direct ancestors invented anything of note or created something to ease life's pains. But you know, they were the ones who cut a path through life's fields so I could come along later and drive my little go-cart or whatever.

My good hubby-buddy's family have tales aplenty of members who traveled by wagon or lived in soddies.  He even tells the story that some of his family members were the first into Salem, Massachusetts... and among the first to leave when they began burning some of their neighbors as witches. Quite an interesting legacy, if you ask me.

My stories are much closer, as I only recall the tales told by people I actually knew personally. Things like the night my little gramma' shot the ghost and how my mama and her sister chased the burglar away with their purses. Does this make my ancestors' lives as pioneers less important? Absolutely not! Without their input, I might just now be building my own little soddie. I'm sure thankful for those who have struggled to make my life easier.

Do you know stories of your ancestors? I'd like to suggest that you help keep those stories alive for your posterity by writing about them in a tablet or some other convenience of modern-day life. Or even, write some of your own experiences. Your children and grandchildren will be very grateful if you do.