A few years ago, I was visiting my grandmother and grandfather and came across a box of old photographs. I started perusing through the photos and found myself wondering who these somewhat familiar people were. There was an image of a young boy walking with what I assumed was his father. Another image showed a young man riding on a motorcycle. Yet another showed a group of school girls taking a class photo.
When I asked my grandparents about the photos, they sat down with me and told me that they were pictures of them when they were young. I was amazed. Not only did I begin to see the family resemblance, but I became familiar with family members I will never be fortunate enough to meet. My great grandparents for example. To see them walking with their children (my grandparents) was truly fascinating. It helped me get a firm grasp on the circle of life and prompted me to save the images and record those pictured in them for future generations.
I have a small box of photos I have now collected from my mother's and father's parents. Inside, I have a folded up piece of paper with a rough family tree. I hope to eventually formalize this into something that will better last through the ages.
For now however, I treat this small collection as a treasure chest of sorts. I like to pull it out every once-in-awhile and flip through the photos. It makes me feel like they're right there with me
My Dad has been doing some Genealogy work on his Father's side of the family, and has ground to a halt. Instead of sitting back and doing nothing, he has now started doing some Genealogy research from his Mother's side.
Unknown to me, I have now found out due to his research, that I am related to 'my worst enemy' from school!
She was so horrible, and treated me badly, I think that I would rather 'forget' that I am related to her!
So I don't think that I will be rushing forward to trace her either!