My Children,

(Entries from a journal I found that my father had started four years before he died.)1

My father's words:
"4-04
When my Dad died, I looked around for something he might have left me. Something either written or recorded where he left me some advice or wisdom from his life. There was nothing left and I have always felt a void from it. With that in mind, I have undertaken ot leave you some notes time to time as I feel the urge. I hope the lack of any great insight or wisdom doesn't disappoint you too much. Just know I was thinking of you when I put these thoughts down on paper. I will leave all my children something similar, but there will be some differences."2


My words:
10/04/08
My children,3

This is the only writing I found that my father left me. I can remember him telling me when I was fifteen that he would leave me words of wisdom in this notebook for me to follow. In the next two years, he became busy with work. In the third year, he became ill, and in the fourth year, he died. Now, all I have left are the spoken words he left me when he became too blind to write.4

Maybe I'm a bit premature in writing this to you. I'm only nineteen, still in college, and not even engaged. But know that even now, I love you so much. I haven't met you, but you've already stolen my heart.5

My intent is to tell you stories. My stories, my father's stories, my mother's stories... all the stories of your family. I don't mind if you don't learn from the mistakes of your ancestors, because I believe you can't REALLY learn unless you make your own mistakes. I'd rather you walk away with an understanding of where your family has been, and who your ancestors were, especially how your grandfather was. I'd like to think that these stories will make you laugh and want to share them with your children someday.6

Love always,
Mama