As Memorial Day approaches I have spent a lot of time thinking about those that have gone on before me. I have always had a very close family and have fond memories of spending time with both my grandparents and great-grandparents as a child; the latter of which have since moved on. It is often difficult to look at a family tree that has since been broken by divorce. My son’s family tree isn’t quite as clean cut as I would like it to be. It gets rather complicated after about the first branch, but I still want to be able to share his history with him. There is peace of mind that comes from knowing where you come from and what those who’ve gone before you have done to help pave the way for you today.
I am always fascinated when I hear stories about the hardships that my ancestors endured so that me and my children could have the life we have today. So often we forget about the sacrifices that our ancestors have made for us. This weekend is a perfect time to ponder and learn more about our forefathers.
I wish I knew more about my ex husband’s family so that I could preserve their stories for my son the way my family has done for me. I feel as if a huge chunk of history is missing for him and I am saddened that he may never know of them. I’ve had the same missing chunk in my own history and have always wondered about my ancestors on the other side. Unfortunately this is the reality for so many families of divorce. They lose vital chunks of their history and are left with many unanswered questions.
I hope that one day I will be able to be someone that my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be able to look up to, just as mine have been for me. I am incredibly blessed to have such amazing ancestors. I am so thankful for the sacrifices they made for me and my son, and I only hope that I can live up to that for my own posterity.