It is my belief, we oftentimes get caught up in our day to day lives, nibbling on the fruits of modern day conveniences and never think about the sacrifices our ancestors made that put us where we are today. But wait, it wasn't just the sacrifices of pulling up their roots, packing their lives and venturing into the world of the unknown or the hardships they experienced. It was also their daily life in general.
Take a moment, fast forward beyond the days of horse drawn wagons, treacherous terrain and uncertainty and look back one generation, to our parents. Think of the conveniences we enjoy today that were unheard of when our parents were the age we are. For me this would include cell phones, computers, the internet and while they were available, my parents never had a microwave oven. How in the world did they, my parents, do it? Popcorn was popped on the stove, today we pop a bag in the microwave and two minutes, ten seconds later it's popped and ready to eat! Yes, this is a silly comparison, but hopefully my point was made. I loved my parents dearly, I'm a big fan of popcorn and truly enjoy researching my ancestry, but not once have I ever compared the ease of eating popcorn now to when I was a child.
Yeah okay, maybe I got a bit carried away and off the wall using popcorn preparation, but so many go about their daily lives never taking the time to appreciate the struggles our ancestors endured. Each generation had it easier than the previous one and this is a good thing, but we should never forget what those before us did so we would have it easier. And, isn't it our responsibility, the current generation, to preserve as much of our heritage as possible?
For those who trace or have traced your family, imagine how much it would have helped if someone before you had taken the time to do the things you have done. For me personally it would have been a tremendous benefit. Yes, without the past there is no today, nor will there be a tomorrow, so why not help your children and grandchildren and gather as much information as you can and write it down, put it on your computer or even make a video, just something to allow future generations to know who you are, who your parents are, etc. Someone will want to know!
Have a great Sunday!
Certainly food for thought. Thanks, I'll check in from time to time.
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