I don't know which is the bigger shame, that it takes a funeral for these things to come about, or the fact that there was too much else to deal with the last couple of days, including my own emotions, to fully appreciate and take advantage of the goldmines.
5. Long Lost relatives
I finally got to meet several of my grandma's cousins. Unfortunately I probably won't remember most of them, but the good news is, there is talk of putting together a family reunion and I did get some phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
4. Future reunions
Ironically enough, the last several family funerals I've attended have resulted in family reunions being planned. Usually because people decide they'd rather not wait for another funeral to see one another.
3. Funeral Programs
Grandpa had a suit coat that we called his funeral coat, since that was about the only time he ever wore that particular coat and he wore it to nearly every funeral he attended. At every funeral he would pick up a program, and eventually it would find its way into his pocket. Grandpa never took them out of his pocket. Eventually grandma would intercede and remove the large stacks, and most would get moved to "the case" a small brief case where grandma stored such things.
This week, we pulled out "the case" so gma could look at other funeral programs in order to decide how she wanted gpa's done. What a wealth of genealogical information. All these names and dates, and occasionally locations. And most of them contained lists of descendants, and their relationships.
One in particular caught my eye. A simple design, with a temple graphic on the cover. Opening it up unleashed a power that's beyond words. The sacredness of this document overwhelmed me. And I could only view it with reverence and respect. And in doing so, I discovered that this was the funeral program for my father's mother, my other grandma, who passed away when I was only 2 years old.
This is what critics of genealogy and genealogists don't understand. To them, these documents are just pieces of paper. They are names and dates of people long since past, they have no relevance to them today. They don't understand. They don't get that these are real people, that while their time on this earth is gone, their spirits live on. They haven't felt that connection, or enjoyed the strength, the comfort, the joy that comes in feeling that connection. They don't understand...
2. Now it comes out
Grandpa was a Veteran of WWII. Most of the things he saw horrified him to the point that he refused to talk about it. But when I was in the sixth grade, I had to do an oral report on Germany. Since Grandpa had been to Germany and had some 'souvenirs' from his time there, he broke down and helped. He pulled out one small trunk, mostly with tapestries and other cloth items. So while the stories still did not deal really with the war, but rather than country itself, I had at least seen this small trunk.
Grandma needed his discharge papers in order for Gpa to get the military honors. Only she had no idea where they were. She thought of one place they might be, but when we investigated, we found in that location, only my great-grandfather's discharge papers.
Then out of nowhere I had a memory of seeing discharge papers when gpa had pulled out that trunk for me. Amazing that I would even recall that after nearly 18 years, especially when I hadn't thought about it any other time during those years. But we made an excursion to find the trunk and check it out.
Like gma, I was half-right. the spot held discharge papers, but they belonged to gpa's brother, not gpa. But the really amazing thing, were the other trunks that were found with that one. Small trunks, but they were full of old letters and pictures (of course not labeled, but many of them were of famous landmarks so we still got some sort of 'diary' of his journeys at least). I look forward to going through them all in the coming weeks and months.
1. Cemetery time that doesn't creep others out
:) I don't know, it sounded good, since most people avoid cemetery's whenever possible, but we spend our lives searching them out.
But as long as we're on the topic. Let me give a HUGE shout-out to our Veterans. In particular the Honor Guard of VFW Post 4918. They performed the military rites for gpa. It was incredibly touching. Of course at least some of the honor guard members were friends with gma, gma has friends everywhere she goes. So after they completed the official presentation and he handed over the flag, the veteran was also able to share a more personal moment with gma.
But as for MY personal experience, I knew gpa would have the military rites. I've never witnessed the military rites in person, but I was still prepared for the 21 gun salute, and for the flag ceremony. What I was not prepared for was seeing the helmet on top of the rifle. Gpa's plot is near the road, and of course we've had a lot of snow lately, so there are some large snow banks where the roads have been plowed. The added effect of the pile of snow placed extra emphasis on the message of the rifle. I had hoped to get a picture of it afterwards, but they took it down too quickly. But still, the picture of the rifle protruding out of that deep snow, topped by the helmet, will forever be etched in my mind.
If anyone knows where I can get a picture similar to that, with or without the snow, please let me know. I know there's a name for it, but I can't recall it at the moment. Consequently, I'm not having any luck searching for a pic either.
Showing posts with label Genealogy Fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Genealogy Fun. Show all posts
Monday, January 12, 2009
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Community
I got an e-mail today that inadvertently got me thinking. (Heaven forbid!)
UVU's deaf retreat is coming up next month. Unfortunately I have a scheduling conflict and won't be attending.
What caught my attention, oddly enough, was the price break-down. Since it is sponsored by the college...excuse me, University...I was not surprised to see a different price for students vs. non-students. What I thought was interesting was the the third price group for "deaf community" members. Makes sense...good marketing strategy to draw in people with "more experience" thus giving benefit to those without as much experience. But the terminology "deaf community" made me wonder where they draw the lines to define "community."
Depending on who you talk, the reference to "deaf community" can be very broad, or very narrow. It may or may not include every deaf or hard or hearing person, it may or may not include family members of those who are deaf or hard of hearing, it may or may not include interpreters or even friends that take an interest in ASL and deaf culture and become an active participant in events, gatherings etc.
Since everyone has a different definition of "community" how do you draw the lines?
I started thinking about it in a much broader sense as well, thinking of other communities. How do you know when you've really become a part of it? And once a part, is there a time you leave?
I've been interested in genealogy since I was 10 years old. But I definitely wasn't part of the "community" back then. In fact I've worked for the Family History Department for 9 years now and feel like I'm still just barely breaking in, maybe not even that far kind of touching the outskirts of it, almost making my way in.
On the other hand, other than a couple of brief stints, I haven't lived in the city boundaries of Pleasant Grove for 16 years, yet PG is still 'home' to me. Granted I have spent several more years since then, living in Cedar Hills which might as well be a part of the PG "community" but still...for argument's sake, I don't go to town events anymore, I don't think I've been to a high school football game since I graduated, I have no active part in the community, but it still calls to me, and all it takes is to hit those streets again and I feel a part of that community again. I would love to move my family down there, to get involved in organizations there, such as Kiwanis, and DUP, maybe even run for City Council one day. I can't see myself doing that up here except of course DUP. But in PG I can see myself getting into costume to participate in Heritage Days or something, giving tours at the schoolhouse. I just couldn't get that involved up here I don't think. And its largely due to the community aspect. It's too big up here, I don't feel the 'community' vibe. There's a lot to be said for the city, a lot of advantages to being here, but its missing that feeling. I'm sure there are others who find it here, mostly in neighborhood groups, but it hasn't come for me yet.
But the point is, since community is that feeling, how do you decide if someone else is really a part of the community or not? Or even if you really are?
Some people accepted me as a part of the deaf community when Steven and I started dating seriously, others didn't accept me in until we had married, and I have no doubt there are still many who would say I'm not because I'm still not skilled enough, or that I'm not and never will be since I'm not deaf. But what about those deaf/hard of hearing indivduals who want nothing to do with the deaf community? Obviously they probably aren't going to be going on an ASL retreat, but nonetheless... And if I am a member because I'm family, what about the other family members that barely sign, if they sign at all, and who know nothing about deaf culture, especially those that have little to do with their deaf/hh family member, let alone the community? Are they still a part for definition's sake? And the same could be said of many communities.
In the genealogy community, there are some spouses who are very supportive and whose face may be seen at 'community events' to the point that they're recognized by members of the community. Are they then a member by association, even if they have no interest in genealogy per se?
What binds us together in these communities? Is it the common thing we share; the home within certain boundaries; the love of something, like genealogy or our favorite sports bar; or a common trait, such as deafness, or being of a certain decent? Is it the understanding that we gain either by sharing that, or by being associated enough with those that do? Is it knowing everyone within a certain group? Where are those lines? Can you define those lines? Does it matter?
Obviously for this case it does. I may have to e-mail the contacts for the retreat and find out what the definition is, or if they even know. Are interpreters part of the community? Is there a difference between the interpreter who even attends the deaf wards and becomes a part of the community, versus the one for whom its 'just a job' ? What about the spouses of those interperters? They barely sign but since they attend the ward each week, they are much more invovled than others more skilled in the language? Well at least in some ways.
Even if we can't draw the lines, I'm feeling benefits just from thinking about the different communities I'm a part of. What communities are you a member of?
UVU's deaf retreat is coming up next month. Unfortunately I have a scheduling conflict and won't be attending.
What caught my attention, oddly enough, was the price break-down. Since it is sponsored by the college...excuse me, University...I was not surprised to see a different price for students vs. non-students. What I thought was interesting was the the third price group for "deaf community" members. Makes sense...good marketing strategy to draw in people with "more experience" thus giving benefit to those without as much experience. But the terminology "deaf community" made me wonder where they draw the lines to define "community."
Depending on who you talk, the reference to "deaf community" can be very broad, or very narrow. It may or may not include every deaf or hard or hearing person, it may or may not include family members of those who are deaf or hard of hearing, it may or may not include interpreters or even friends that take an interest in ASL and deaf culture and become an active participant in events, gatherings etc.
Since everyone has a different definition of "community" how do you draw the lines?
I started thinking about it in a much broader sense as well, thinking of other communities. How do you know when you've really become a part of it? And once a part, is there a time you leave?
I've been interested in genealogy since I was 10 years old. But I definitely wasn't part of the "community" back then. In fact I've worked for the Family History Department for 9 years now and feel like I'm still just barely breaking in, maybe not even that far kind of touching the outskirts of it, almost making my way in.
On the other hand, other than a couple of brief stints, I haven't lived in the city boundaries of Pleasant Grove for 16 years, yet PG is still 'home' to me. Granted I have spent several more years since then, living in Cedar Hills which might as well be a part of the PG "community" but still...for argument's sake, I don't go to town events anymore, I don't think I've been to a high school football game since I graduated, I have no active part in the community, but it still calls to me, and all it takes is to hit those streets again and I feel a part of that community again. I would love to move my family down there, to get involved in organizations there, such as Kiwanis, and DUP, maybe even run for City Council one day. I can't see myself doing that up here except of course DUP. But in PG I can see myself getting into costume to participate in Heritage Days or something, giving tours at the schoolhouse. I just couldn't get that involved up here I don't think. And its largely due to the community aspect. It's too big up here, I don't feel the 'community' vibe. There's a lot to be said for the city, a lot of advantages to being here, but its missing that feeling. I'm sure there are others who find it here, mostly in neighborhood groups, but it hasn't come for me yet.
But the point is, since community is that feeling, how do you decide if someone else is really a part of the community or not? Or even if you really are?
Some people accepted me as a part of the deaf community when Steven and I started dating seriously, others didn't accept me in until we had married, and I have no doubt there are still many who would say I'm not because I'm still not skilled enough, or that I'm not and never will be since I'm not deaf. But what about those deaf/hard of hearing indivduals who want nothing to do with the deaf community? Obviously they probably aren't going to be going on an ASL retreat, but nonetheless... And if I am a member because I'm family, what about the other family members that barely sign, if they sign at all, and who know nothing about deaf culture, especially those that have little to do with their deaf/hh family member, let alone the community? Are they still a part for definition's sake? And the same could be said of many communities.
In the genealogy community, there are some spouses who are very supportive and whose face may be seen at 'community events' to the point that they're recognized by members of the community. Are they then a member by association, even if they have no interest in genealogy per se?
What binds us together in these communities? Is it the common thing we share; the home within certain boundaries; the love of something, like genealogy or our favorite sports bar; or a common trait, such as deafness, or being of a certain decent? Is it the understanding that we gain either by sharing that, or by being associated enough with those that do? Is it knowing everyone within a certain group? Where are those lines? Can you define those lines? Does it matter?
Obviously for this case it does. I may have to e-mail the contacts for the retreat and find out what the definition is, or if they even know. Are interpreters part of the community? Is there a difference between the interpreter who even attends the deaf wards and becomes a part of the community, versus the one for whom its 'just a job' ? What about the spouses of those interperters? They barely sign but since they attend the ward each week, they are much more invovled than others more skilled in the language? Well at least in some ways.
Even if we can't draw the lines, I'm feeling benefits just from thinking about the different communities I'm a part of. What communities are you a member of?
Friday, October 17, 2008
Tagged!
I've just been tagged "it" and I didn't even know I was playing!
Oh sure, I could walk away and just ignore the fact that I was ever tagged. Especially convenient because it would seem as though anyone I would have the remote possibility of tagging has already been tagged, done their tagging, and are sitting safely back at home base (reminding me of childhood nightmares where this scene is immediately followed by incessant mocking as I lose the game).
But alas, my tagger is none other than the one, the only, the marvelous and magnificent Holly Hansen of Family History Expos.com fame (formerly My Ancestor's Found). I must humbly bow in the midst of her greatness ;) Therefore I can not simply ignore this request, and I now present to you the information requested in the tag.
2. But knew not the joy of my children
3. Was still invincible
4. Learned those guardian angels watching over me, were my relatives
5. Had more time for my passions
Five Things on Today’s To-Do List
Oh sure, I could walk away and just ignore the fact that I was ever tagged. Especially convenient because it would seem as though anyone I would have the remote possibility of tagging has already been tagged, done their tagging, and are sitting safely back at home base (reminding me of childhood nightmares where this scene is immediately followed by incessant mocking as I lose the game).
But alas, my tagger is none other than the one, the only, the marvelous and magnificent Holly Hansen of Family History Expos.com fame (formerly My Ancestor's Found). I must humbly bow in the midst of her greatness ;) Therefore I can not simply ignore this request, and I now present to you the information requested in the tag.
10 Years Ago I …
1. Had a million dreams (or close to it)2. But knew not the joy of my children
3. Was still invincible
4. Learned those guardian angels watching over me, were my relatives
5. Had more time for my passions
Five Things on Today’s To-Do List
1. Interview with the illustrious DearMyrtle (check)
2. Pay Bills (check)
3. Do my homework (half-check)
4. Dig out my vaporizer (blasted cold!)
5. Search FamilyHistoryArchive.byu.edu for ancestors. (never ending!)
Five snacks I enjoy
1. Brownies
2. Barely Buttered Popcorn
3. Chocolate
4. Ice Cream
5. Tapioca pudding
Five Places I’ve Lived
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. Provo, Utah
Five Jobs I’ve Had
1. Specialist, Digital Books
2. Indexing Specialist
3. Tech-Support
4. Auto-Parts
5. Mom!
Five Blogs I Tag
1. Renee Zamora at Renee's Genealogy Blog
2. David Samuelson and the Utah Deaf Genealogical Association
3. Utah Valley Paf Users Group
4. Ok, seriously, this game has gotten out of control so I'll do my part by not sending it to the full 5 people.
5. bwaa hahahaha (oh wait! no one was supposed to hear that evil and rebellious cackle.)
Ya'all can see my list of blogs I watch on this page, or I've recently hopped on the facebook blognetwork as well.
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