Sunday, March 29, 2009

What is in a Family?

After returning home from my recent motorcycle trip through the southern United States, where, during the trip, I visited the graves of my 4th great grandparents, I developed a deep connection with my kindred dead. Since, I have found myself researching, reading and pondering the experiences of my ancestors with greater appreciation for the sacrifices and trials they went through. Through the Internet and the LDS Family Search, I have been able to add an additional 40 names of ancestors to my ancestral lines.

It has been interesting to learn and read about the journeys many of my ancestors made across the Atlantic ocean in ships from England, to settle in America. I have learned about the struggles through the Civil War, and the rebuilding they made of their lives after the War. I have followed them as they loaded everything they could into a covered wagons and journeyed across the rugged America to settle in Utah.

I am proud for the great heritage I have received from my forefathers. This has helped me to understand and appreciate the importance of family, and the importance of keeping my family strong and living good moral principles.

So what is in a family? All the things past, present and future that families do to create meaningful memories and traditions. When the world around you becomes a scarer place to live, you can always turn to your family for stability, warmth and love.

I know, because that is my family.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for that dad. It is so good to have family with you when you are going through struggles and even to just enjoy eachother. We love you guys and thank you so so much for all that you have done for our family in helping us out. You guys are so generous.

The Oggy Family said...

A family are people who play baseball with frisby bases, cry as we share spiritual experiances with eachother, and laugh as we feel like we are falling through the floor. I love our family. Thanks for being such a great dad and raising us right.