Flash Back Friday

Who is the oldest person in your family that you remember? I was very fortunate to know several of my Great Grandparents before they passed. But the oldest was my Great Grandfather, James Alma Banks. My father's grandfather on his paternal side. He was born on February 5, 1889. His parents were James Eyre Banks and Annie Reese. He was born in Minersville, Utah. He married 1912 my Great Grandmother, Gladys DeLong. Before my grandfather was born, his father, James Alma, was called on a mission to the Northern States for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My grandfather was a toddler before he returned home. He worked with the railroad. His wife passed in 1956. He remarried in 1958.

Great Grandfather James Alma Banks with some of his Great Grandchildren, I am in front with the red coat and purple dress. Circa 1973/1974 of his Great Grandchildren

This is all information I have been told or read about him. I don't remember talking to him other than to say hello and goodbye. Do you have an older family member in your family? Have you taken the opportunity to ask about their life? Are you an older family member? Have you written down some of your stories, your trials and triumphs? We spend many days, months, and years during this lifetime overcoming struggles and learning how to be the best version of ourselves we can be. Are we writing down the wisdom and knowledge that comes with that struggle? Oh, what I wouldn't give for some heartfelt wisdom from one of those ancestors. I have reminded my daughters, nieces (and myself) that we came from a tough pioneer heritage. That the trials they faced seem small in comparison. And although our worries and struggles are real, I find them less tasking and challenging when I have their strength behind me.

This is part of my mission with my business, to get people to tell their stories. To share their wisdom with the next generations. There are a few ways you could do this. Write the stories behind the pictures. You can write your story in a journal, or some companies send you a story every week or month, and you can answer the questions; after a year, they print the book for you. (My husband and I got these for our parents for Mother's Day and Father's Day one year.) Or you can do an oral interview, audio and video, or just audio. Whatever works best for you. I will do another post about oral interviews. If you need more guidance, I am happy to help.