Solemn faces on a tintype.
Children starched in a row.
His hand rests upon her shoulder.
Ancestors from long ago.
Was there passion in that couple?
Did they fight? Did she cry?
Did their world lay smashed around them
when that child she’s holding died?
Family pictures.
Serious people.
A faded letter in a drawer.
Fragile papers tell no stories.
when the faces live no more.
I wish I knew more about my grandparents.
They arrived in April 1909 at Ellis Island from Trinidad with six children under ten on a ship called Suriname. My grandmother, Hortense, was 29. I know that much. Henry, my grandfather was 45. By the time I was five, they were both gone.
Why did they come to the harsh winters in New York from a tropical paradise? I have heard a few stories and have seen some old pictures but there is no back story. No real story.
You have a story. You have learning from your life. Things that could benefit someone.
Your grandchildren would like to know you long after you have gone.
Is it time for you to write it down?
I have met so many people at book signings, on television and radio shows – and believe it not, on the street or in a supermarket who told me the same thing.
“As soon as I have time – or when I retire, I am going to write a book”.
I always had the same answer for them. “Nobody has time. If you want to be a writer I have a one word for you. Write.” They always looked at me a little doubtfully.
It occurred to me that people just don’t know where to start.
If this is you, I’d like you to read an article I wrote on this over a year ago. Perhaps it will inspire you to start.
Click here to read the article
It is time to start. I have written three published books and an E book. They are on all different topics but when you write you put yourself in it. You become known to others. My latest book seems to be about sales – but it is full of my experiences in my life. You will know who I am when you read it.
Perhaps your book or memoir will hit #1 on the New York Times best seller list. If so, wonderful. You will make millions.
But you have something to say. It is time to say it. If not for the glory, to leave your memories behind.
Read the article above and start anywhere. You can put it all together later. An added benefit is that you will review your life and you will remember all the wonderful memories. And perhaps exorcise the events you want to leave behind.
One day, your grandchildren or your great grandchildren will wonder about you. What your life was like – how you felt about it – who you really are. Where they came from. What were your dreams? More than just pictures from long ago in a drawer.
Will you leave them the answers? Don’t leave your grandchildren and future great grandchildren wondering. Give them the back story.
Your story.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Doing genealogy has made me aware of all the stories that I don’t know about my ancestors. Like you, I don’t want future generations to wonder. I want them to know who I was, about my stuggles and my victories. I want them to know about the people that I love.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s last blog ..Second Anniversary For Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker
Dear Patricia -
You said -
“I don’t want future generations to wonder. I want them to know who I was, about my struggles and my victories. I want them to know about the people that I love.”
Your blog is already a memoir.
Have you thought about making your posts into an E-book?
I think it is important that you do that.
The E-book may very well be a future project.
Patricia – Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker´s last blog ..Second Anniversary For Spiritual Journey Of A Lightworker
I love your poem – I will put it in our heritage scrapbook with all the pictures of our ancestors. I love geneology and knowing about those that came before us. Have to get your brother Henry to put all he knows in writing or on tape so we won’t lose all the stories. He has done so much research. I often wish we would have taped Uncle Cecil when he would tell his stories. We have such an interesting family! Keep up the good work and hey – get with Henry and write a book for us on our family lol you have the talent!
Love cousin Pam
Very prescient post …. for me at least. I started my own “memoir” recently. Were you reading my mind? I’m only up to age 5 for me and it is my great pleasure to see those long-gone loved ones come alive on my pages.
As my very favorite and under-rated author, John O’Hara, said “Do it for yourself and no one else”. O’Hara was the prolific chronicler of American life in the 20s, 30s, 40s, A social historian, although, he hated that title, he wrote in great detail about those times as no other writer has.
Be your own “social historian” and just write about your life and times – it’s just plain fun and when you get to the “icky” parts – just do it. It will be immensely cathartic. But just do it for you. Who knows, some one you love may really appreciate all the detail. It dies with us unless we write it down.
My only reget: I didn’t ask enough questions when I was younger and I mistakenly thought “they” would be around forever. I had big ears as a kid but that generation didn’t talk much, much less about talk about their emotions. They were not a victim society like we are today. -30-
Dear Pam -
I think you should write the history book about our family. You have been collecting things for years. I’ll help with the editing if you need it.
But in the meantime, what about your story? Your spiritual awakening would be helpful to many people.
You completely reinvented your life.
Dear Lily Rose -
You are SO right about that no one talked about family when we were growing up. It was taboo. Anything we learned was by eavesdropping to hear the whispers over the kitchen table.
I am glad you are starting your memoir.
(Will anyone believe your story?????)
You have been many people in your life. It would be interesting to meet them all.
You go, girl. Can’t wait to read it.