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All my life it has been my
pleasure to have someone hand me something of theirs that was rare and
valuable to them. From the time I was a child sometimes a stranger would
share with me some treasure of a memory. Why this has happened, cannot be
explained. At the age of around fifty it was clear to me something had to
be done as to preserving some of the many notes. They were only saved bits
and pieces of paper with something scratched down on it. Having had only
a high school journalism course and part of one in college there was only
a smattering of writing ability.
By the grace of God after
being tutored in a loose sort of way as to how to use the computer the
journey began. The gentleman, Alastair McIntyre, of Scotland was my first
contact with a total stranger via the internet. That was a little scary.
However, he was so encouraging and such a reserved gentleman it became
apparent he would be a great help to me. He never criticized my clumsy
writing skills but always encouraged me to keep working.
Now, after a number of
years there are probably around three hundred short stories contributed to
his Electric Scotland Web Page. It has been a wonderful journey for me
with the bonus of my having learned a great deal about Scotland, her
history, and something of the beauty of the people. His copyright has been
beneficial also.
Today, my writing is still
not perfect by any means. I do believe, though, it is better. The old
adage, practice makes perfect, is true in this instance also, I've found.
Having taken this short writing course has been an eye opener for me.
Not so much as to a technical side but in another, better, way. I've
received a rare gift and that as to one like a feast. A great banquet of
golden memories shared and read by others who have lived through a life of
untold pleasures and some great sorrows too.
At this age, even, I have
become more tolerant and able to see that although we may think we know a
person we really do not. We don't have any idea of the sadness in their
life. Their joys may be written in the laugh lines around their eyes but
possibly we just didn't see that.
The writing of my memoirs
has been a wonderful hobby. For whatever happens to these notes I cannot
say. If some of my descendants can look back to the history of their
ancestors with interest and inspiration this will be a great reward for my
loved ones, and any others, too. There is much more to be done and I pray
I will be able to finish. The putting on the web of the pictures from the
Chilocco Annuals handed to me over the years have brought me many notes
from people all over the country. They are thankful for having seen for
the first time a photograph of an Uncle, Aunt, Cousin, Grandfather and
even in one case a picture of their mother when she was young.
Alastair will be on a short
visa in the United States and I want so badly to get the rest of these
annuals on a CD so many more can have a truly lovely photograph of one of
their ancestors. |
