Post by Brian on May 19, 2007 3:13:18 GMT 10
Nicholas has given a platform for our Family History, so lets use it.
The title "Write it down today not tomorrow" is not new or rocket science. But we don't and we all know what happens with tomorrow!!
So much is lost because we don't sit down and make the effort.
Our parents and grand parents have a wealth of knowledge; so don't let it slip by into the hereafter.
It is never too late to gather information, listen (don't judge) the stories. Whatever the story there is an element of truth, later that can help piece the family tree together.
You have all got cousins, but do you know the exact relationship. My wife has a particular cousin, she knows that because her mother told her and it was the same for the cousin BUT nobody knows the exactly how and it too late to ask.
Christenings, Marriages and unfortunately funerals; just the right place to give the family tree a boost. Talk to the stranger(s) perched on the end of your table, it might be long lost Uncle Fred. I am sure it is in Greek genes to enquire into another’s heritage, you only have to walk into a Greek restaurant for the first time and before the first ouzo hits the spot, they have interrogated you as to your heritage.
Just as well, on one visit to a Greek island we walked into a taverna and as we sat waiting there was an old fisherman spinning stories with some younger men. My wife said she had this feeling of wanting to talk to the fisherman. Too late he left. As Xenos we had to give our background, wife's mother was from the island and her name was "xxxxx". Oh your cousin just left said the owner.
Photographs: yes you know the box of sepia coloured photos that YaYa has. Well make sure that you put a name to the face before it is too late and the box of photos is given to you just in case.
Dates; if you can get them, then all the better, but the old folks (getting there myself) are hazy about dates so try for an event. YaYa is more likely to remember that the photo was taken about the time "a happening" etc.
Skeletons/intrigues; every family has them we would not be human otherwise. Try and prise them loose, what seemed unmentionable in the past may be the highlight of the moment.
So, I am not telling you anything new, family history is not an old “fuddy duddy” thing it is our heritage that we pass on the following generations.
Probably preaching to the converted but I hope it sparks some interest.
The title "Write it down today not tomorrow" is not new or rocket science. But we don't and we all know what happens with tomorrow!!
So much is lost because we don't sit down and make the effort.
Our parents and grand parents have a wealth of knowledge; so don't let it slip by into the hereafter.
It is never too late to gather information, listen (don't judge) the stories. Whatever the story there is an element of truth, later that can help piece the family tree together.
You have all got cousins, but do you know the exact relationship. My wife has a particular cousin, she knows that because her mother told her and it was the same for the cousin BUT nobody knows the exactly how and it too late to ask.
Christenings, Marriages and unfortunately funerals; just the right place to give the family tree a boost. Talk to the stranger(s) perched on the end of your table, it might be long lost Uncle Fred. I am sure it is in Greek genes to enquire into another’s heritage, you only have to walk into a Greek restaurant for the first time and before the first ouzo hits the spot, they have interrogated you as to your heritage.
Just as well, on one visit to a Greek island we walked into a taverna and as we sat waiting there was an old fisherman spinning stories with some younger men. My wife said she had this feeling of wanting to talk to the fisherman. Too late he left. As Xenos we had to give our background, wife's mother was from the island and her name was "xxxxx". Oh your cousin just left said the owner.
Photographs: yes you know the box of sepia coloured photos that YaYa has. Well make sure that you put a name to the face before it is too late and the box of photos is given to you just in case.
Dates; if you can get them, then all the better, but the old folks (getting there myself) are hazy about dates so try for an event. YaYa is more likely to remember that the photo was taken about the time "a happening" etc.
Skeletons/intrigues; every family has them we would not be human otherwise. Try and prise them loose, what seemed unmentionable in the past may be the highlight of the moment.
So, I am not telling you anything new, family history is not an old “fuddy duddy” thing it is our heritage that we pass on the following generations.
Probably preaching to the converted but I hope it sparks some interest.
