The Family History Researchers Lament

The Family History Researchers Lament
by C.Garner
Those family books where in boxes, under tables, and in files with papers flopping about.
They sat on the kitchen table and covered all the counters, forcing me to eat out.
There's census copies in my car and little note books here and there.
There's even papers I have to move,
when I want to sit in a chair.
I've got files and folders and folios,
and I've gone and filled them too.
And there's still so many relatives out there,
What's a researcher to do?
Why, make friends at the local copy shop!
Get an office supply discount card.
And buy a big ol' bookshelf.
Because quitting's awful hard.

Carla

Tell us why this is so important

There's the little things we miss if we don't pay attention.  What did Grandma say about that piece of silverware or the old clock on the mantle.  What was Dad telling you about the postcard that Grandpa sent back to Sweden.  If we really listened to those stories we've heard in family gatherings or at the dinner table, what clues would we find?
How about letters saved and sitting in a box somewhere?  Are there clues to a family member's life adventures?

I find and record these genealogical facts and dates and locations so I can tell the stories of those who have gone before.  Ordinary lives that have become extraordinary - and important.  How did Great-grandma survive the Depression.  How did Great-greatgrandpa make that trip across the prairie?  How did great Aunt survive the relocation and boarding school life she was forced into?  Does Uncle remember what he thought when Rosa Parks wouldn't sit in the back of the bus? What did Dad do to get past the time in the military?  How did Mom help you through the effects of The Big One?

Did someone tell you a story?  Did someone show you a tool or an article and describe what it was for and who used it?  Do you remember?  Have you written it down?

It's all part of a larger story.  One that you will want to leave for your grandkids or greatgrandchildren, or even the children of others, who will very soon be running this world.  What kind of values and ideas do you want to leave for them?
How will they know unless you record it?
Write it down. Record it.  Take a picture.

Tell us why the things Grandma did back in the Old Days is important to us today.