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My ancestors did not come on the Mayflower. Not that I’m complaining. It has been more of a challenge to figure out how they did get here. So far I found Scotland, Ireland, Wales, France via Canada and Germany for sure, boats, rebels, farmers, sea captains, pioneers, and more rebels (I think I see a pattern here). Whew, and that is just my side. When I add my husband’s ancestors it gets even more diverse and I did find out some of them were here to greet the pilgrims as well as chase mine off. The more I get into this journey the more fascinated I am and the more real the challenges these folks faced becomes.

What actually started this effort was an elementary class assignment. To be precise, my granddaughter’s 4^th grade social studies assignment to interview family members and show who and where they came from. As I answered her questions I realized there was much being lost. Not just people’s names but who they were. At this point it dawned on me, I was the one in all the family to document what is still known and to leave a legacy for her on the decision made by her ancestors that contributed to her living where she does and the opportunities she has now.

The skills learned in a career of research, analysis and documentation have served me in good stead. Also the tools available today are indispensible and I highly recommend them to anyone considering recording their families. But be aware it lots of work. I have written down every story I can remember my grandmother and mom telling. This month I will be interviewing the last surviving sibling, her 92 year old brother. One of the most delightfully colourful Texas’s cowboys you would ever want to meet. My only regret was waiting so long. Next month, will be just as entertaining as I speak with my Dad’s 99 year old cousin. He still works his farm daily, handles all his own affairs and takes care of my property that is close to his. This will be a special treat since his first language is French and mine is a little rusty. Fortunately, his wife’s English is much better than my French, so I have a “fall back”.

The most important thing I have realized is that I not going to find everyone or even come close to going back as far as I would like in the direct line. What is important is that I capture what I can and hopeful save the stories I can that give life to a picture and humor to a circumstance.