Most of us have heard the proverbial phrase, “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.” Which I take to mean that those who came before us, teachers, parents, ancestors, historical figures, learned and discovered multitudes of things that help us move forward. We don’t have to re-invent the wheel, as is also said.
Meeting my cousins recently, separated by a couple generations and a few thousand miles, has continued to resonate within me. Does meeting them matter? Absolutely. Not only are they wonderful people, they are family. How does it matter? That I am still pondering about. When will I see them again? Will my children and grandchildren meet them? Qui sait?
My mother’s grandfather was Charles Dessein. I had no idea who his parents were, nor did I give it any thought until I was at the family crypt near Langres recently. His parents were my great-great grandfather, Alexander Dessein and great-great grandmother, Marie Billant. How does that matter now? Obviously, I would not be here without them, nor would a lot of other people! Do I stand on their shoulders?
What legacy, shoulders to stand on, do I leave for my grandchildren? For great-grandchildren I may or may not be here to meet?
Maybe this is as much or more about being present in the moment, being conscious of my choices, being aware of what I have learned in the last twenty years so I can make wiser choices now.
Chia seeds are reportedly healthy for you on many levels. I made some pumpkin chia pudding this afternoon. Sounds a little dicey to you? I’ll try it and let you know. Pondering takes nourishment.
Thanks for reading!
Karen Foley
November 6, 2023 at 7:27 pmFamily matters. Our great, great grandparents taught our grandparents how to show up in the world, what to value, and they give love ❤️. Love is all there is. Thanks, Mary!
Mary
November 6, 2023 at 7:33 pmThank you, Karen~ Love is all there is, we need to hold on to that. Best to you~
Judy Ridge
November 7, 2023 at 7:08 amGreat story Mary. I love reading your stories. Yes families are wonderful. So happy you were able to meet and spend time with your cousins.
Mary
November 7, 2023 at 10:03 amI am so glad, Judy. Yay you. And mille grazie.
Aletha Jean Riter
November 9, 2023 at 11:16 amYes, I agree if it weren’t for our ancestors, and their values…. morals …. traditions…. and everything else, we wouldn’t be who we are today! A wonderful story to add to the one you shared before. I am waiting with bated breath for your next book.
Mary
November 9, 2023 at 11:43 amBlessings upon you, Aletha. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
Leslie Slape
November 10, 2023 at 7:53 amI love digging into family history, and I only wish I had asked more elders about their lives when they were still here. My mom is my oldest living ancestor now, but her mind and memory are still good. It’s fascinating to recognize family habits and phrases that have been carried on, good or bad, from earlier generations.
How did the pumpkin chia pudding turn out?
Mary
November 10, 2023 at 11:27 amI wish the same, Leslie, that I had asked lots more questions while they were here.
The pudding has potential, I liked it. I will fine tune it a bit and try again. Best to you~~
LEWalker
November 16, 2023 at 4:14 pmMary, I found this as “Spam”. Keep writing .
Mary
November 17, 2023 at 1:01 pmYay! Thank you~~