I like to think that I am coming into the world at just the right time and this letter I got today from PawPaw certainly supports that thought. Just a generation ago, a fetus would have a hard time getting to know his predecessors. I hear people would tell stories or maybe find a written one, but that stuff can get lost. Today, a kid can get emails like this one from PawPaw and I will have them forever. I'm learning everything about where I came from, from the people who know it best. So, I and my parents are extremely grateful.
Having known my mother for a couple months now, I totally would have thought her to have a boring background, because she is TOTALLY boring me. Some days I wish my arms were long enough to plug my ears when she is work going on and on and on.... But anyway, as luck would have it, my family background is anything but boring. The letter below explains it all.
Granny and PawPaw, please keep in touch. I am really into early childhood development and this stuff is great. The womb wi-fi internet is good for research and all, but these letters are just way more interesting. I can't thank you enough.
Sincerely,
Your -31 week old Really Great Grandchild.
Here is the letter:
Dear Baby Roberts,
I am your great-grandfather PawPaw. As senior member of the Elder clan, I look forward to telling you stories about your Elder heritage. I hope to tell you about your ancestors.
Your great great great great-grandmother danced with Jesse James, a famous outlaw. Your great great great great-grandfather hunted buffalo to supply meat to the army. Ask your daddy about buffalo. Your great great great-grandfather owned livery stables in several Oklahoma towns. He rented horses, buggies, and wagons to people who needed them to get around the country. There were no cars. Your great great-grandfather rode in a covered wagon from Oklahoma to New Mexico. I’ll tell you why one day. Oh, and by the way I, PawPaw, won World war II all by myself. Whoops, I just heard Granny laugh.
All of this will give you some idea of what is waiting when you enter this in your world, so no, you can’t stay in your mommy’s belly. You must come out and be greeted by lots of people. They will share love, kisses, hugs, and stories. You will have to tell each storyteller that his stories are the best. That is how to get along in your family.
See you in November.
Love, PawPaw
2 comments:
PawPaw forgot to mention that your grandfather has worked for over 30 years doing diagnostic tests that have supported the health of the Oklahoma City community. In fact, the technology used to make your video debut is the same technology he uses today, albeit on less interesting body parts!
See? That dancing gene is there Patrick . . . you have the skill, you just need help with the mechanics of it! I'll check out the lessons today!
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