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What's stopping you from writing your family’s story? Maybe you think it’s too much work or that no one will care. But let me ask you this: if “every man is a quotation from all his ancestors,” as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, how will your descendants know what their quotation is if you don’t share those stories?
Let’s dive into why writing your family history is not just a gift to your descendants—it’s also a gift to yourself.
Why Writing Family History Matters
Family history is a precious gift. When you write, you honor your ancestors and yourself. There’s a beautiful Native American proverb that says:
"Our ancestors dwell in the soil, the rivers, the mountains, and the sky. To honor them is to honor ourselves."
It’s lovely, isn’t it? But the soil, rivers, and mountains can’t speak in words we understand. Your writing does.
For me, one of the greatest gifts I’ve received is preserving my family’s stories. For instance, my great-grandmother Lura Maude Smith Long made a brave decision to adopt a sickly infant rather than turn her away. That child grew up to be my Grannie, who lived to 92 and blessed our family for generations.
If my great-aunt hadn’t written this story to my mother in the 1970s, we might never have known about Lura Maude’s selfless act of love. And now, this story lives in a scrapbook I created, where future generations can treasure it too.
Reflecting on Your Research
Writing also makes sense of your research. I pieced together my ancestor Joseph Geiszler’s journey from Baden to America—facing challenges in his homeland and the New World. Writing allowed me to share his story and even dispel myths, like one about his death. (I still don’t know how he passed, but I do know how he didn’t!)
Your writing preserves your research, turning it into stories that last beyond fragile papers or fading memories.
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Stories Bring Us Together
Writing unites families too. My kids love the stories from a family book Aunt Gloria compiled. They laugh at Great-Grandpa Bert’s WWII misadventures and remember Uncle Steve’s movie casting rejection for being “too tall” despite being a dwarf.
These stories connect them to relatives they’ve never met, keeping our family’s legacy alive.
Creating a Genealogical Legacy
Finally, writing creates a lasting legacy. I’ll never forget reading an old journal where my dad wrote, “God loves you, and so do I.” That line chokes me up to this day.
Now, I’m writing stories for my own children. If my words outlast me, as my father’s have, they’ll know they’re loved, even when I’m no longer here.
Start Writing a Family History Gift to Yourself Today
So, why not start writing your family history today? It’s a gift for future generations, but also for yourself—bringing reflection, connection, and legacy into your life.
What gifts have you received from preserving your family history?
Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your stories!
For more tips on family history writing, be sure to check out the related videos available on the Write Your Family History YouTube Channel.
