I remember throwing around my perceived power, way back in the fifth grade, when I heard the family rumor that my maternal line was related to Lord Baltimore. I thought I owned the place, and I was perfectly happy to start kicking those who annoyed me right out of my fair city. My threats were not responded to with the shivering fear that I expected, and I began to wonder "what good was this power if I couldn't wield it against others?".
Later, in my teens, I learned about my paternal relation to George Washington, and other revolutionary heroes that helped to build, not only my city, but our whole nation. Oddly enough, I didn't swell with pride for my ancestors, but rather I deflated with disappointment in myself. How was it possible that such a wise, courageous, and upstanding family line could dwindle down to a nothing like me?
When I was in my twenties, my grandmother began releasing home published journals of her extensive genealogical research. The pages of those journals were filled with stories about the first pilgrims to settle in Maryland, and those who went on to be founders of several counties in "The Free State". The journals kept coming, throughout the years, and names like "Charlemagne", "King James", "Longshanks", and "Robert Bruce" jumped off the pages at me. That's when an odd transformation began to take place.
Knowing that the current generations are well removed from the line for the throne, and that all I really have is the knowledge of my ancestors... I realized that the knowledge is the power. Not a power to be wielded against others, but a power to be used within myself. Now, I have the pride. Pride in my ancestors, and pride in myself. So, I won't be making history, but maybe my job is to teach my children about the history that our family was so instrumental in making long ago. My job is to instill this sense of pride in them, and to be sure that they honor and respect those who came before us. My job is to keep the family line going, and pass the knowledge on to those who come after us. Sometimes, it's knowing who you're made of that can make you who you are.
1 comment:
My darling daughter...how wise you are. Years ago when I learned that my family was related to Lord Baltimore, it meant little to me. I passed that info on to you and you took it, explored it and did something with it. Your research and pride in discovering your ancestors has peaked curiosity in me to delve deeper. You have done that for me and I thank you! Love, Momma
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