It's amazing, the little bits of family history that one stumbles upon-- especially when one isn't even looking for them. I wish it was common practice (or, I wish it was a MORE common practice), to tell children the stories of where their family came from-- what they did, and how they came to be who they were...
I feel this modern life, with its instant gratification and its forward thinking, has done a disservice to those who came before us, as well as a disservice to those of us that must continue on-- it's like our existence is just this fleeting, present moment, with nothing to tie us to anything or anyone else.
Case in point--- today, I found out, for the first time, that my Great-Aunt Lucy was a riveter who worked in a Wichita, Kansas airplane factory during World War II. And, that she'd even earned the nickname-- Lucy the Riveter. How is it that such a historic part of her life was never mentioned before?
My great-aunt was a "Rosie", though I'd never heard word of it before today. Granted, my memories of her are fleeting, I was just a child when she passed away.
I remember her renovated shotgun house. I remember her long white hair and her small frame. And, I knew she was a retired teacher, who cared enough about her kids to take them home with her if they were having problems learning. She was a staunch, solid, little woman who valued education-- even though she was from a small, rural community where education was second to the hard life of farm work.
She had no problem rolling up her sleeves to get the job done. And, from the little I do remember of her, I'm sure she had no problem telling folks to get out of her way when there was a job to do. I have no doubt she earned her nickname--- step aside boys, Lucy the Riveter will get the job done!
I feel this modern life, with its instant gratification and its forward thinking, has done a disservice to those who came before us, as well as a disservice to those of us that must continue on-- it's like our existence is just this fleeting, present moment, with nothing to tie us to anything or anyone else.
Case in point--- today, I found out, for the first time, that my Great-Aunt Lucy was a riveter who worked in a Wichita, Kansas airplane factory during World War II. And, that she'd even earned the nickname-- Lucy the Riveter. How is it that such a historic part of her life was never mentioned before?My great-aunt was a "Rosie", though I'd never heard word of it before today. Granted, my memories of her are fleeting, I was just a child when she passed away.
She had no problem rolling up her sleeves to get the job done. And, from the little I do remember of her, I'm sure she had no problem telling folks to get out of her way when there was a job to do. I have no doubt she earned her nickname--- step aside boys, Lucy the Riveter will get the job done!
people always seemed to have been like that back in the day - your blog is always so interesting. BTW
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks, David!
ReplyDeleteAnd, you're so right...there was quite a different breed of people in the 'old days'. Kinda makes me think we take far too much for granted :-)