Genealogies took up some of my time as well. My mom had worked on her side of the family, however, the paternal side was only partially completed. It was similar to putting together a puzzle. After pulling this all together, I would venture two observations: women generally had 8 kids, of which two would not live past infancy. Ten or twelve was frequent. And once women began getting education and moved off the farms, they chose to have only two or three. Gee, how about that?
And so, I am thankful. Although I live on a small farm, the climate is mild, and there may be lots of work, but it's not back-breaking toil. My great-grandmothers had to know how to sew and quilt because they were survival skills. I turn to needle, thread and fabric for artistic expression. Yet, I would pay homage to the women who preceded me and thank them. I would not be here if it were not for them.
And now I can get back to my work/play.
5 comments:
Interesting post Nadia. I, too, have been looking into my past generations. It is truly fascinating.
Thanks Roxanne. Maybe we get to a certain age where it becomes important to situate ourselves within a larger picture. I found, too, that I was rewriting my sometimes rocky relationship to my family, smoothing out the bumpy spots, and re-connecting to my grandparents. Rather cathartic....
Very thought provoking post! We have it so good and just have to think about the past to realize it. Hugs.
In the movie "The Book of Eli", Denzel Washington says sadly (as close as I remember), "There was a time when people had so much they didn't know what to do with it". I think that sums up the present pretty well.
I like this post. You are lucky to have such old photos. It is interesting how the two children....boys?....are carrying the hay. I wonder what that's all about? A faming museum might shed some light on that.
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