Roots are the growth that conducts the harvest

Studying family history is a wonder filled adventure. It allows us to take a look back at the trials, beauty, pathways, connections, intertwining that were traversed in order to make our existence a reality. Along the journey, we uncover all kinds of surprises, sad truths, beautiful relationships, complicated stories, family quarrels, resilience, road blocks, adventures, hardships, brushes with death, close calls, controversy, love, loss, heartache, failures, victories, and so much more. 

Some say, why take an interest?  That is all in the past. My response is that knowing what transpired along the path to my arrival helps me understand the puzzle pieces, the players , and their journey is filled with lessons that give purpose to my existence. If x, y or z did not happen, I would not have the privilege to be here and experience this life as I am. It gifts me with gratitude,  inspiration, resourcefulness, resilience  purpose. Similar to looking back at our own stories to discover the lessons within them, it harkens a part of ourselves that overcomes but sometimes lies dormant when the book is closed. If we open the book and rediscover the stories of our own or our family resilience, we remind ourselves of our strength, our ability to navigate challenging waters and remember that we always have the tools to build the ship we need to traverse the roughest waters and simultaneously soak in the beauty as we travel.