Day 342: Earlier this week I stated that when we recall the past, it helps us shape the future.
From the time I was very small, my mother and both of my grandmothers were intent on teaching me about my heritage.
Grandma Evy sent me a doll in a fancy hat and dress that she had made, along with the story of my third great grandmother, who was a milliner in England. I was probably the only first grader who knew that a milliner was a person who makes hats. She also gave me two rag dolls with the story of how the milliner and her husband and children left England and immigrated to America, where they purchased a handcart and joined the Martin Handcart Company to come to Salt Lake. The milliner sewed pockets into her petticoats to help carry some of their possessions. She made rag dolls to entertain her little children on the trek.
Along the way, her husband, baby son, and toddler son died. Her three daughters continued onward with her, and reached the Salt Lake valley where they grew up and had families of their own. The milliner’s name was Maria Jackson Normington, and her 7-year-old daughter’s name was Mary Ellen Normington. Mary Ellen was my Grandma Evy’s grandma.
My grandma was teaching me about her grandma with those dolls. She wanted me to understand my heritage, and I’m thinking it was because she knew it would help me shape my future.
Now, it is my turn to teach my descendants about their ancestors. I’ve been telling the stories, but I think I need some visual aids. I’m not good at doll making, but maybe something else? What visual reminder could you pass along?
Comments