Questions.

Like most of you, if you have discovered your ancestors, you will have many questions. A lot of these questions will never be answered.

Sit Down.

So where to start? I suggest, finding somewhere you can sit comfortably. It does not have to be in a quiet environment. Sometimes, a bit of noise can be helpful. Have pen and paper to hand. Set yourself a time limit of say, 15 to 20 minutes.

Once you are ready to delve into your mind, take a few deep breaths, close your eyes and imagine you are in a library – you can smell the books… Now cast your mind to the person you’d like to make an inquiry about.

Concentrate on the process, remember when a question – no matter how silly it may sound or be – stop, open your eyes and right down that question – then repeat.

Blank.

At times, nothing may happen. Other times, you may have a number of questions. These questions will usually not have an answer. You will never know. Please, do not beat yourself up. Accept. You may find some interesting trends. This process may take days, weeks or even months.

Showtime.

Okay, let’s get the show on the road… Here are my questions. I will show who the question relates to then show the question or even questions…

1. How did my maternal grandparents meet? When and where?

2. How did my parents meet? When and where?

3. How did my paternal grandparents meet? When and where?

My paternal grandfather owned a piano. He used to play it. Now, I have wondered who taught him to play. I will never know. Also recently since I wrote this, I have wondered where he got the piano from. Again, I will never know.

My maternal grandfather also played the accordion. I’m sure you can guess what’s coming now! Who taught him to play? Where did he buy the accordion or was it given to him? I will never know.

My mother was a nurse. I have wondered where she got the idea from to become a nurse. One thing I have found when doing my research is that one of her aunts (my great-aunt) was a nurse. Is this why she decided to become a nurse? I will never know. Just as a side note: when researching my great aunt, I found her nurse exam results. Hence, I knew she was a nurse.

I Will Never Know. (Additions)

One of my paternal great-great-grandmothers may have held me in her arms when I was just a baby. Did she? I will never know.

What jobs (employment) did my grandfathers have? What were their first jobs? What was the first car my grandfathers drove or owned? I will never know…

Why did my maternal grandparents keep the birth and death of a child hidden? I will never know. We only found out when my maternal grandmother died and was buried in the same grave.

The questions continue…

In the Past.

Looking back, I never thought to ask my grandparents about their lives. I did attempt with my maternal grandmother but all she did was cry, when I asked different questions. I do believe I have some ideas why but will never know for certain.

Never-Ending.

This writing is really never-ending. I am fairly certain that when I come to publish what is written now will change – most likely by adding more content. I had originally written this a few months ago. Of course, as I prepare for this to be published, I am adding additional content.

Summary.

To summarize, I believe questions should be asked now. Make a list – ask about what life was like to your aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, mother, father, grandmother, grandfather etc… They will all have their story just like you. Write your story. Provide as much information as possible.

I was born in the mid-1950s but have no recollection of this time other than what my parents told me about my early years. However, I can recall the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s. My half-century occurred in the mid-2000s. Then there are the 2010s and of course the 2020s.

Finally.

Suggestions to get started so you can tell your story, take time out at least once a week and jot down bullet points – you don’t have to write full sentences.

You could use a notebook and have different subjects listed as memory joggers. Then keep adding to it. Eventually, you’ll have a story about your life. The biggest thing to note: DO IT NOW.

To be continued…