Of all the responsibilities a parent has the most vital and least acknowledged is that of Family Historian.

Without Family History the link between generations is lost and those precious memories are long forgotten. 

Preserving the stories of those that came before us is insurmountably the most important sense of family identity we can pass on to our children.  This gives each of us a place in the family structure and explains where we came from, how we fit in and how the family has grown and changed over time.

Preserving Family History is important for the following reasons:

1. Provides a link to the past.

As a young girl growing up I never knew much about my grandparent’s family.  There came a time when I started asking my grandmother questions about her mom and dad and others in her family.  Until that point I never knew of the tragedy the struck her family, the days of moving out west or the great times they had growing up as children of poor farmers.  To this day, those stories stick with me and I have come to appreciate the life that my grandmother has lived.   I can’t wait to pass these stories onto my own children so they too know how life used to be. 

2. Gives others an understanding of who they are.

Without my grandmother’s memories, I would never know the events that made her life special, which made her the grandmother I know today.  So many times in life we are forced to evaluate why we are the way we are and what shaped our lives.  By creating an autobiography or family history book, you capture moments that are unique to you and others in the family.  This is a celebration of life that will provide value to all for years to come.

3. Outlines events that inspired the nation, world from a personal point of view.

Each one of us has heard stories relating to the events in history i.e. the assassination of JFK, the Holocaust and the events from the tragedy of September 11^th.  Each event can be interpreted differently based on the perspective of the individual telling the story.  It is important of people to try to see the world through the eyes of others in order to fully appreciate history.  Creating an autobiography allows others to see the world from your eyes.  Your story can provide inspiration and perspective to others; you just have to tell it. 

Preserving history does not happen on its own; it requires an investment of time and a determination. By writing our experiences and memories down we provide tangible connection to the past once we are gone.  The bits and pieces of our childhood are precious beyond measure. They are the only thing link you to those of a distant generation once we are gone. Tell your story, be inspired and inspire others.  For what you do today will preserve yesterday for tomorrow.

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