The word that Amy has given us this week is "Future". It has been a challenge to find something to write about. Writing about this concept means I have to stop and think about what I want to do in the future, particularly in 2020.
Researching my family history has been a hobby/passion of mine since about 1985 - almost 35 years. And it really began as part of my therapy when I learned that my first wife, Vera, was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease.
Researching my family history has been a hobby/passion of mine since about 1985 - almost 35 years. And it really began as part of my therapy when I learned that my first wife, Vera, was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease.
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| Vera about 1982 |
She was a Diabetic from childhood and the disease was taking its toll on her health. She began Dialysis treatments in March of 1985 and we both knew the long term result would be her death. I was in counseling because I was of the opinion that when she died, I was ready to join her and not go on living, either. My Psychologist did not agree with me and suggested I find a hobby I could learn to love. And genealogy - family history became my salvation. Vera died in 1991 and I persisted in living, remarried and continued researching my family.
I have been very lucky over the years to be in contact with many, many cousins - near and far - and we have shared a great deal of information. I have been the recipient of MANY photos and keepsakes from many family members, including my parents, grandparents, great grandparents, uncles, aunts, great uncles and aunts - many of whom had no children of their own. I have also been very lucky in being able to preserve some of these in archives, in this blog and in some books I have self published.
But, now, I am faced with a dilemma - the "Future" - what happens to all my research, these photos, keepsakes and knowledge that I have gathered over the years. I am nearly 68 years old, have already had heart bypass surgery, and am very aware of my own mortality. And, my wife is a person who doesn't like to keep things - especially things that she does not have a connection to. She and my son are both "minimalists".
I read a book recently, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, by Margareta Magnusson. It was recommended by one of my genealogy mentors who understands the challenges of having "things" that have to be dealt with at the loss of loved ones - especially spouses, parents, grandparents - and especially if they were "keepers" (like me and my mom)! This book suggests we all take time - especially as we move through our 60's and 70's - to evaluate what we have kept, determine if there are any family heirlooms we would like to pass on and who we think might enjoy or treasure those things, after we are gone. It suggests revisiting your "things", remembering why you kept them and keeping that memory and cherish it - not necessarily the "thing". And, maybe allow someone else to enjoy these "heirlooms" and their stories or significance before you are gone.
So, that is the process I am continuing as I move into 2020. Intentionally going through my genealogy/family history collection and research and pondering:
- What can be scanned or transcribed and shared electronically?
- What needs to be tossed?
- What can be donated?
- What might be of interest to a museum, library or historical society?
- What might be of interest to a family member?
- Who in my family might want, treasure or be interested in keeping any of these items?
- How will I share the memories or history of these items, so they continue to be treasured?
- What do I really need to keep for the remainder of my life - just because?
I don't see this as a morbid project, but as an opportunity to revisit, remember and re-evaluate what I have collected and/or been given. I will continue to scan many items that might be shared electronically. I will continue to post photos, documents and stories on this blog. I will write down the stories behind the important items. I will contact and visit family members and share the stories, photos, research and items, while we are all still able.
So, if you are reading this and would like to visit with me about receiving any of this "stuff", please contact me and let's talk. It will be much easier if I know who you are and what you might be interested in, rather than me trying to decide who wants what, cares about it or me trying to convince you that you "need" this! HaHa!
And, Merry Christmas!
And, Merry Christmas!
'Til Next Time!
#52Ancestors
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