Here I am at 70 years old and reflecting on how very little I know about my parents. Being a typical kid and then teenager, I was wrapped up in my own life and didn't ask my mom and dad about their lives before they were parents. I learned some things but both were reluctant to talk about themselves. My mother died in 1979 and my dad in 2008. As my dad aged he was a bit more willing to talk about his life but would cut off his reminisces because he was uncomfortable talking about himself. My mother rarely talked about her young life.
My Irish grandfather and his brother could spin some tales and all were so funny. It wasn't until years after my great uncle passed away that I learned that he had been a mule teamster in France during WW1, transporting supplies to the front by pack mule. I found out that my Scottish grandmother was fluent in French and playing the piano, and was a model here in the U.S. If I had only known when they were still here!
I think we can understand ouselves if we understand our parents and grandparents and what shaped their lives. Talk with them before it is too late!
My Irish grandfather and his brother could spin some tales and all were so funny. It wasn't until years after my great uncle passed away that I learned that he had been a mule teamster in France during WW1, transporting supplies to the front by pack mule. I found out that my Scottish grandmother was fluent in French and playing the piano, and was a model here in the U.S. If I had only known when they were still here!
I think we can understand ouselves if we understand our parents and grandparents and what shaped their lives. Talk with them before it is too late!