Our Family Roots

I believe that it's important that we all travel forward in our lives with at least a rear view mirror on the past. Understanding our family roots provides a the context by which we view ourselves and our role in this world. Knowing who our ancestors were--and the sacrifices they made to enrich the lives of their children and grandchildren--encourages all of us to lead enriching lives and extend the healthy growth of our family tree. The following quotes explain this much more eloquently than I can:   

A man rising in the world is not concerned with history; he is too busy making it. But a citizen with a fixed place in the community wants to acquire a glorious past just as he acquires antique furniture. By that past he is reassured of his present importance; in it he finds strength to face the dangers that lie in front of him.

Malcolm Cowley


History cannot give us a program for the future, but it can give us a fuller understanding of ourselves, and of our common humanity, so that we can better face the future.
Robert Penn Warren
 
After Mom passed away, I spent some on her computer, copying files and photos related to her extensive genealogical research. Over the next few weeks, I'll start putting stories and other items on the blog. Maybe we'll all learn something new about our past.   

Aunt Catherine

The following day, Saturday May 29, we all visited Aunt Catherine at Marywood. She looked very alert and healthy, as the photos indicate. She was very glad to see us, even though she wasn't quite sure who we were. She told me in a conversation about her childhood growing up in Carbondale. She asked where we were; when I told her we were at Marywood, she was pleasantly surprised. Aunt Catherine has the best care one can possibly want. God bless her.



                      

Carbondale Architecture

Carbondale, like so many all cities on the east coast, has a very long history. At one time, this small community was the center of coal production in northeastern PA. The fascinating architecture offers a glimpse of its former glory. I could show you lots of pictures of nifty buildings, but will instead entertain you with the timeless characters that continue to haunt the historic structures. Jim took the photos of the lions for Mary. I took a few shots of the really interesting faces.



     

          

Finch Hill

Naturally, we had to drive by Grandma and Grandpa's house on the way into Carbondale after the funeral. I managed to get a couple photos of the old house as well as Uncle Gerard's barn (photos below). I manged to get a glimpse of Grandpa's old barn in the tall grass, but I couldn't get a shot.