Regina,

Thank you for your continuing (sp) stories. I've been thinking about this one for several days now.

Those adults in the community that we all acknowledged as ones to respect. And we knew we were safe and protected in their company.

They are our family too! They should be a part of our written family histories. They give dimension and broaden the parameters of our influences - that can't be extricated from who we are or how we turned out. Does that make sense?

This goes to the notion that sometimes we are closer to people who are not our blood relatives. Do they deserve a place in our family histories? As we write, should they be included? Should they be given as much space, pages, chapters?

I had thought to write stories about some of my teachers and include them in the the family history. I'd also thought to invite and encourage family members to do the same. My thinking is that, collectively, these stories will help define a family; its character, philosophies, and world views.

The writing of our family history doesn't have to be tethered to the confines of our genealogy software. It doesn't have to be bound to those scripted oral interviews of our seniors (what if we, the writers, are the seniors?).

What if we want to write about a yellow school bus driven by a Mr. Clyde?

I say yes, yes, yes!

You have inspired me to get back to my writing.

Peace,
"Guided by the Ancestors"