A few days ago, I read a post on Lisa Hall Wilson’s blog in which she wrote about her family background. She asked readers to join her, using a template titled, “I am from.” My writing is taking a bit different direction (more about that next week and in my upcoming newsletter), so this post fits perfectly. To join Lisa, or to read her story, please click here.
I am from humble beginnings. Oreo cookies shared with my Boston Terrier Mugsie, riding in the back of Daddy’s ’51 Chevy pick-up down Legion Hill Road, trips to town for a blue coconut snow cone, fishing in our neighbor’s pond, and listening to baseball games every night on the radio.
I am from the simple white framed house where extended family sat around the kitchen table, the older folks talked about the “good old days,” where the coffee pot stayed full, family dinners happened every night, and the aroma of Mom’s chocolate and coconut pies filled the air.
A photo of me and my chihuahua, Gypsy. It was late in the summer and most vegetables were already harvested, but in the background you can see what remained of Daddy’s garden.
I am from blackberries growing in wild abandon along the roadsides, from oak, pine, and sweet gum trees, and wading in the creek on hot summer days. I am from roaming the woods on imaginary adventures, accompanied by my little Chihuahua Gypsy, and where I pretended to be Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web even though I was terrified of spiders. I am from following my big brother around and helping bury a piece of his pottery in hopes that some future civilization would find it and discover something about life in twentieth century America.
I am from family reunions, playing with my cousins, and Aunt Jessie’s turkey and dressing and apple pie. I am from a time when folks sat outside on hot summer evenings and ate homemade ice cream. I am from Papaw Scott’s stately manner, Uncle Jack’s tall tales, and when we always had plenty of black pepper for Aunt Mary and ribbon cane syrup for Uncle Tom when they visited.
I am from Missouri roots that say, “show me” and “I’ll believe it when I see it,” and sometimes arguing for no particular reason. I am from the forever young baby boom generation, Beatles music, seventies rock, and M*A*S*H. I am from watching American Bandstand with my brother on an old black and white TV with a quilt draped over it during the day because one of the tubes didn’t work and that was the only way we could see the picture.
I am from family roots steeped in superstition and where they told ghost stories by the light of an oil lamp when lightning flashed, thunder rolled, and the electricity failed.
I am from a family of strong faith, where my third great-grandfather was a Presbyterian minister, my grandparents helped plant churches, my mother prayed, my daddy read his Bible, and where we always said grace before a meal.
I am from a family who valued the importance of integrity and believed in doing an honest day’s work. I am from farmers and factory workers and a time when my daddy always had a large garden. Where I would hide among the tall stalks of corn and a typical family meal consisted of beans, corn bread, and fried potatoes.
I am from Scotch-Irish heritage, descended from the first ancestor to come to America in the 1700s to North Carolina, Missouri, and finally Texas, each time hoping for a better way of life. I am from the fourth great-grandfather who fought for America’s independence in the Revolutionary War.
I am from family photos that date back to the early 1900s, doilies and bedspreads crocheted by Grandmother James, from an electric train, dolls, and Little Golden books that are carefully stowed away. I am from my mother’s treasured mementos such as locks of hair from both mine and my brother’s first haircuts, and a small wooden pencil that belonged to an uncle whom I never knew, but kept in the cedar chest where my aunt placed it.
I am the adult who cherishes these memories, is proud of her heritage, lives in the family home, and who often wonders how life has changed so much with one generation.
Where are you from?
22 Responses
Great post! Sounds like a wonderful family legacy of faith. Thanks for taking part!
Lisa – thank you for visiting and for this writing prompt. I enjoyed my “trip down memory lane.”
Lovely lovely lovely. You have a treasure of an inheritance Joanne!
Thank you, Audrey. I do have lots to be thankful for, especially those family members that taught me so much and left me with such fond memories.
Oooh! I love it! It sounds like you are from a wonderful place! Those are beautiful memories – thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Joan. Yes, lots of good memories here and I do live in a nice part of the country.
Thank you, for sharing your beautiful treasured memories! My heart was touched. Blessings.
Thank you, Kathy. I appreciate your visit. Writing this post brought back a lot of happy memories.
Dearest Joan, I am behind in reading posts and so glad I stumbled on this one when I read your 9/27 post. What a lovely heritage you have, and living in your family home is so wonderful. I keep telling you there needs to be a memoir of these stories . . . maybe one day, right?
Well, Sherrey, I’m actually considering that. It seems to be the direction my writing is going. (Taking most of the summer off, helped me to focus.) And, reading your blog has certainly encouraged me.
Blessings!
Joan, that is exciting! Happy to encourage and support you as you begin. Also, question for you: didn’t you take Jeff Goins’ Triber class?
Thank you, Sherry. And, yes, I took Jeff’s class. I highly recommend it.
This is beautiful, Joan! I love the images your writing evokes. What a great heritage you have. I was touched a lot by what you’ve shared. Much to dip into here for a potential memoir maybe? 🙂 x
Joy ~The idea of a memoir has been brought to me on a few occasions lately, so I am considering the possibility. Thank you for your sweet comments. Blessings!
this is wonderful
Thanks, La. Writing this brought back a lot of pleasant memories.
Just beautiful, Joan! What a good idea Liza had to share background history. I am so sorry for missing so much. All best, always. I write in my book about my ancestors, and the responsibility I have to keep their memory alive, make them proud, and continue in their footsteps. A tall order, but only if we take eve one more step than they did, we contribute in the making of a better world.
Katina, I firmly believe that we should remember the past and honor those who came before us. Even in remembering the mistakes, we can learn and hope to not repeat them in the future.
Thank you Ma, for sharing your beautiful, cherished memories. I am your newest fan. I found your blog at fellowship of Christian bloggers.
Compliments of the Season.
Grace.
Hello Grace! Thank you for visiting, for your kind words, and for subscribing. I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
I’m having some fun exploring your blog tonight. I loved this post! Sounds like you have some good material for a memoir or a collection of stories from all your memories. You have such an enjoyable way of wording things.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Diana. I loved writing this post and have often thought of a memoir. I have lots of stories that my mom told. My great-nephew, who never knew my mom, is interested in family history and knowing more. His mother, my niece, is as well. Future writing projects!