I had my first speaking engagement today. I addressed the Walker County Genealogy Society and discussed the importance of stories. What was interesting about this group of folk is,- "they get it".
After my talk, we had refreshments and almost everyone there came up to tell me their story. I was surprised at how many knew more about my extended family that I did.
There were a number of guest who attended today seeking stories and connections for their families.
I'm not sure why, but when I was younger, and my grandparents were still living, I could care less about my family history. Now that I'm older, and more interested, the trail has grown colder. It would have been so easy to gathered the information first had. That's not a option now.
I did have the good sense to record my grandmother Watson telling some stories about her life.
I was well received today and I was surprised and happy with the number of books I sold. I made a donation to the Society.
All in all, it was a good day.
Grandma and I have been researching our family histories for about 30 years now. We continually lament the fact that that we could have learned a lot about our families but failed to ask the questions. We are trying to document as much of our family stories as we can. We keep trying to interest our grandchildren to ask the questions before their relatives are gone.
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