Some have said that I’m an old soul. I listen to stories of other people’s life experiences and when they tell it, I can almost imagine it before my very eyes.
As the years fly by, I find it increasingly imperative to document my own family’s history since I don’t know much beyond my parent’s generation. I hope I can be successful in recording these stories since I’d hate to lose what little I know about my ancestry.
My grandfather and 4th great uncle's family in 1971
This past weekend, my 4th great uncle and his extended family came to visit from Texas. It’s only my second time meeting him and the first time meeting most of my TX relatives. When I reflect on the experiences of my grandfather’s six siblings, I’m truly amazed how they all came to the United States and reunited after 40+ years of separation.
Living during the Cultural Revolution in China, working in Ecuador, or being adopted by a missionary family. These are things you expect to find in movies and books but there’s a stronger, more visceral reaction when you’re in the presence of these individuals.
Finding hope and positivity in the midst of pain and suffering seems to be the recurring theme. I guess that’s what I hope to hear from the stories in Japan. I haven’t written much about the recent events but they are never far from my thoughts. Japan needs us and so do those close to home. It shouldn’t take a major disaster or tragedy to remind us that we’re all in this together and we’re all connected.
I may not be able to go and be a relief worker in Japan, but I can brighten up my own corner of the world. And that’s something we all can do.
Light Works from Supernormals on Vimeo.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful post Jess! We are all definitely in this together
Great post – it really shouldn’t take a tragedy to bring people together. But every time something does happen, I am always awed by the outpouring of support and compassion – gives me renewed hope. It would be ideal if this were an everyday occurrence.
I think its great to know where your family comes from….it makes you appreciate what you have even more. Its like the TV show that traces celebrities’s ancestries, very fascinating.
What an incredibly thoughtful post…thank you for sharing <3
Nice photo! I love old black and white photos. I’m in the process of fixing some up for my grandparents too. I can’t believe its only your second time meeting your TX relatives, you’re not that far away, you guys should visit each other more often!
I wished ancestry.com works for Chinese but I doubt it! But hearing stories is definitely interesting…I get hooked too and I wish I can find out more. I only found out last year that my great-great-grandfather lived in Tahiti b/c of the US Civil War and my other great-grandfather lived in Mexico for some time. My great-uncle moved to Malaysia and we lost contact with him. And the previous generations before my grandfather were a travelling Chinese opera group! I was really surprised and didn’t expect such history! I hope you find out more about your family too!
@Lor: If your family came early enough, you might be able to find people. Otherwise, you may need to go to the old country/countries to find out. I’d like to find out more about my family on my mom’s side, but unfortunately, I don’t know where to look, especially since I’ll need a translator!
It’s amazing isn’t it? You hear all their stories and to know they have overcome so many hardships makes you proud to be related to them.
Agreed. The more I learn about my family, the more amazed I am about their experiences. There’s nothing like learning history to give you an appreciation of people in the present. =)