“Genealogies, family stories, historical accounts, and traditions…form a bridge between past and future and bind generations together in ways that no other keepsake can.” –Dennis B. Neuenschwander

I recently read a talk by Dennis B. Neuenschwander. In it he states that we all have keepsakes. Some have furniture, books, porcelain and other valuable things that are passed down from generation to generation. These are important, because they remind us of our loved ones who have passed on and turn our minds to loved ones unborn. “They form a bridge between family past and family future.”
The more valuable keepsakes though are the genealogies, family stories, historical accounts and traditions. These are eternal keepsakes and bind our families together like no other keepsake can.
Each family member has a personal responsibility to be the architect of this bridge for their own family.
He says, “Not one of my children has any recollection of my grandparents. If I want my children and grandchildren to know those who still live in my memory, then I must build the bridge between them. I alone am the link to the generations that stand on either side of me. It is my responsibility to knit their hearts together through love and respect, even though they may never have known each other personally. My grandchildren will have no knowledge of their families history if I do nothing to preserve it for them. That which I do not in some way record will be lost at my death, and that which I do not pass on to my posterity, they will never have. The work of gathering and sharing eternal family keepsakes is a personal responsibility. It cannot be passed off or given to another.
A life that is not documented is a life that within a generation or two will largely be lost to memory. What a tragedy this can be in the history of a family. Knowledge of our ancestors shapes us and instills within us values that give direction and meaning to our lives.”
Thankfully for me I have parents and grandparents who built this bridge for me. I have read stories and know some of the histories of my ancestors (those that were written, and saved). Let’s all build a bridge, we can do it. Do a little each week. Ask your parents if they have any stories of their parents and grandparents they can share. If they’re not written down, do it, write them down! Organize them, so that others can enjoy them. Happy Family History Friday! Love, Joy