Do you know your family history? Few of us really know our family history, including myself. Sure, I know more of my family history than most people, but how much do we really know?
Part of my love for memorialization came from the dearth of facts that most cemetery monuments (can we really call them memorials?) provide. The cemetery is the source of information for the living. Genealogists study this information for clues to their past and this information alone can be very enlightening as one studies the dates as to the ages of the family members at the time of marriage, first birth, second birth and the like.
Unfortunately, many folks study genealogy but ignore the documentation of their own lives and the lives of the living. Certainly, there are exceptions; however, centuries from now I wonder if our ancestors will not be asking why our generation did not record more details about our lives.
As we study genealogy, in most cases, we only know the sketchiest of details. Who were these folks really? Obituaries often provide clues, especially when we read that "Mr. __________ was well respected. His funeral was attended by 1,500 mourners." A well-written obituary is an important source of information for both the living and for future generations. I have already written my obituary, have you? I encourage you to write your obituary and give instructions to the funeral home on your wishes at the time of your death.
We have a form on our website to assist your family in recording its family history. Please see http://www.valdostamemorials.com/family_history_questionnaire.htm. This form will assist you to interview the elders in your family before this source of information dies with the passing of your loved ones.
Do the right thing and document your family history. After all, it is the right thing to do.
Please pass along your comments to Burton@ValdostaMemorials.com as I enjoy hearing from my readers.
Burton Fletcher
www.USAMonuments.com
