Thursday, January 6, 2011

From Whence I Came

So my Emma, being an old soul like she is, has suddenly taken to the idea of finding out more about her ancestry. I, being basically repelled by the idea of genealogy, tried my darndest to keep putting her off. She asked if we could go to the family history library that just opened up near our house. Lucky for me it was closed during Christmas break. Then she asked again last night. I was pretty sure it closed at 5, but I looked it up for her anyway.


To her delight, and my chagrin, it was open until 9.


So we loaded her up in the car, Maggie tagging along, and she brought her papers with some family names from Grandma's side of the family.


We walked in, and it felt so, like, well, a library. It wasn't like I thought it would be. I had envisioned a musty dimly lit room with decrepit old men hunched over old dusty books with their beards dangling into the words, with their canes and walkers perched nearby. There were no old men like that, just so you know.


We had a super nice Sister Missionary come and help us get started, and she told Emma she began having an interest in her family history at about Emma's age. We searched and found quite a bit of information, which I won't bore you with here. Emma was starstruck. She wants to go back tonight. I think we need more info before we go again, but she doesn't care. She just wants to keep searching and searching.


I find it completely astonishing that a girl as young as Emma could have such a vision to want to know her ancestors. I always knew about mine on both sides, but after doing so much searching, I realized she doesn't really know her great grandparents on Grandmas side. Knowing how special Grandpa Hashbarger was, I find a renewed importance to let Emma understand that she comes from an amazing past.


I always knew my kids would challenge me, but I never realized they would teach me more than I could teach them.


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7 comments:

Kirsten said...

That's really sweet. Emma is such a sweetheart I am glad to know her!

exmish said...

Try logging on using the new FAmilySearch.org site - you need to have your membership number (on your temple recommend) and know your confirmation date - Emma can see everything the church currently has as your family tree from the comforts of home. :)

grannybabs said...

I love "old souls" - they see the world so well.

amy k said...

Very sweet story. It is amazing how much kids can grasp and how much their minds can take in.

mandee said...

Isn't that always the case? So amazing aren't they? What a great thing for her to do!

Kelley Rae said...

You are so good to let each of your kids figure out their own interests and strengths and encourage them. Like you, genealogy is definitely not a strength or interest for me, but I definitely admire that quality in others.

Tami Allred said...

I love family history and find it so endearing when a young child feels that tugging. I'm happy you support her.