Reaching Into My Future From My Past

When I work on family history, I often think about my grandparents and grandparents. I have pictures of them and facts about their births, marriages, deaths and where they lived, but very few stories that make them come alive for me. The grandparents I knew the best were my "step" grandparents, Ted and Ada Streeter. I never knew my biological grandfathers because they had either left or divorced my grandmothers before I was born. My paternal grandmother, Marguerite Lannegrand Roberts was from France and the times I remember with her included hearing her think French accent. She was a seamstress, and I wish I had something she made. My maternal grandmother, Cora Hovey Hill, fit the stereotype of the chubby grandma with ample bosoms and the smell of talcum powder. I have a few memories of her coming to our home when I was little (before the age of 10) and always bringing a bushel basket full of things she had canned and baked. I must have spent time on her lap too, because in later life when a distant relative gave me a picture of her, I could immediately feel and smell her. Memories are powerful, but they often fade if we don't write them down!

After Heavenly Father, Jesus and Grampa, I love my family, past and present, more than anyone or anything! When I think of my grandparents and great grandparents, the one thing I always wish I had from them is a letter! Even one letter that would give me a little glimpse of what they thought about and felt, and how they expressed themselves would be a treasure. I have written little letters or notes to some of my grandchildren, but not in any regular way. Sometimes, when the thought to write one comes, I am stopped by just the seemingly simple task of putting it together with an envelope and a stamp and getting it in the mail. Then the other day it dawned on me that the modern age has provided us with a perfect venue--a blog! So, with the beginning of a new year, 2010, I am beginning a new blog. As it evolves, I am not sure if I will tell my grandchildren about it or just see if any of my children or grandchildren discover it. Regardless, my goal is to leave some pieces of myself for each of you to have when maybe someday the thought comes into your head; "I wish I had a letter from my grandmother."