Fading Footprints: Unraveling the Tapestry of Family History
Once upon a time, in the quaint hamlet of North Chicago, nestled between the Great Lakes Naval Training Center and the state line of Wisconsin, there lived five young girls. They were known for their strong work ethic, kind hearts, and insatiable curiosities. Their days were spent working in the family business based in the heart of the hamlet. The family business began in the early 1900s, and their great-grandmother purchased the land alone long before women's lib became a thing.
Where does your story begin?
I started this story with a simple but powerful piece of history, which I hope can inspire you to trace your family lineages and get excited about connecting with the past. Like you, I have always known my immediate family, but only as I got older did I realize there is much more about who I am based on knowing the past and how their decisions and genetic makeup affected me. Heavy, I know and you may think this is too difficult to accomplish, but as "they" say, it only begins with one step. Look around your family right now. Is an aunt, a family friend, or a grandparent still around? They don't have to live close by, and you don't even have to have a strong relationship with them. Don't stop for a moment; reach out to them and find out what they remember.
Family stories are my favorite because they are seasoned with what happened during that era. Those stories are priceless. My mom told a story about my great-grandmother, who purchased commercial property independently and then told her husband what she accomplished and what her vision was after the purchase was complete. This was 1908.
If there may be no relatives or family friends, there are still numerous routes for getting information. Research using various records and sources like birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and other historical documents to construct a family tree. Ancestry.com and others like it can be a starting point.
The importance of learning about your past can vary, which is why I named this story about the Fading Footprints. If you don't take the step today, an opportunity might pass, and every day missed is another footprint fading. Each of us is different, as are our stories. Here are several reasons why I consider it valuable to share your past:
1- Think about your kids – what do you want them to know or remember? This single act of stepping back and thinking about what you want your kids to remember will help you start preserving family stories, traditions, and cultural heritage and passing them from one generation to another. What was done in the past? Tell them. What about you? What activities or traditions do you currently do? Tell them why. Preserving history can go back decades but can also start with you and your current traditions. I have stories of my past, but with the addition of a spouse, he also had traditions and stories. Don't forget both sides of the family. The merging of traditions starts new traditions. My husband and his family used to always go to the Indiana Dunes. This was a fall ritual where his grandma and mom stopped their daily activities and went to the beach to gather sand and watch the sunset. The purpose was more significant than the sand or the sunset; they discussed their vision for the next year and how they did with the previous year's plan. This tradition moved from the dunes to Mission Bay in San Diego, but every year for 25 years, one day was dedicated to planning the following year. We incorporated that tradition into our lives, and it continues.
2- Identity and Belonging: Knowing one's family history provides a sense of identity and belonging. It can help each of us understand our heritage, cultural background, and the experiences of our ancestors.
3- Medical History: Genealogy can be priceless for understanding inherited health conditions and genetic traits within a family. Knowing ancestors' medical history can provide insights into potential health risks for current and future generations. My husband was adopted. His biological father was alive, but he had no contact with him. When we had our daughter, I knew my family's medical history, but my husband was missing his father's genetic makeup. He hired a private detective to find him, not because he wanted to build a relationship 40 years later, even though he did, but rather to find out "what he died from." That genetic piece didn't matter until he realized that knowledge was more important than just for him.
4- Researching Ancestors: Many people engage in genealogy to learn more about their ancestors, their lives, and the challenges they faced. Discovering the stories of one's ancestors can be a rewarding and enlightening experience.
I really hope this is a motivation for you that makes you realize how much power you have and pushes you to act right away. Just think, your family history can help you understand your own personal story and the stories of those you're connected to. If you start digging into your genealogy now and create a sense of connection between the past, present, and future, your kids and grandkids will be grateful to you.
Why not take this chance to begin your journey of figuring yourself out and building connections? Connect the dots between your past, present, and future. You can be the one who tells the story and leaves a lasting impact that will be remembered for years to come. As you navigate through life's ups and downs, keep in mind that the choices you make today will be cherished by your future family. Your legacy is waiting for you, and the admiration of future generations will be the ultimate payoff.
