The month of July holds a special place in my heart!  We honor and remember the Founding Fathers of the United States, whose vision, courage, and dedication laid the foundation for our nation. These remarkable individuals united the thirteen colonies, fought for independence, and crafted the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Their commitment to liberty, justice, and the principles of democracy continue to inspire us today. As I think of how their stories impact us today, I often wonder what stories are we leaving behind?

We all have a story to tell, but are we telling it? It seems that as we tell our own stories and discover the stories of those who came before us, we connect, we strengthen our connection to one another, and we truly become one.

It’s amazing to think that some experts believe that over 110 billion people have lived and died on earth.  Each has their own story! It would be a shame if any of us living in 2024 didn’t take the time to share our story. We never know what good might come from sharing our own story. I lost my own father at a very young age, long before I knew much about journals or family history. Through the years I have often found myself wishing my dad would have kept a journal or taken the time to record his story.

I recently had the opportunity to spend time with my 93-year-old mother, and it quickly became apparent to me that when she is no longer with us, we will have lost a great resource for Family History. We were able to go through many of her scrapbooks and photo albums. Many of the faces were unfamiliar to me, but they held a special place in her heart.  It was very enjoyable to have her recall memories from years ago, documented by pictures and newspaper articles – many of which I now have and can share with my family. 

The time spent with my mother demonstrated in a powerful way our trees do have roots and branches.  I’m often reminded of the saying “Connect yesterday for tomorrow.” We never know who in our family tree will benefit from our experiences today, but I promise, there will be someone, somewhere who will be strengthened and blessed through your story.

In a 2021 study by Laura Silver and others, they asked “What Makes Life Meaningful?” Most of their focus group answered “Family.” Family was ranked first! Family can include those who are living or those who have gone before.  All have a part to play in our lives. Please share your stories with those you love. We never know when the opportunity to share our story will be taken from us.

We can bless those who come after us by recording our own stories and making them available to those who will follow us.  Our stories of love and sacrifice can and will bless the lives of those who follow us.

I hope we will all take the time to record and share our stories, let the adventure of your family history be intentional, take the time to record and share your own story.

Let good things begin with you!

– Doug Nielsen, Director, Granite FamilySearch Center