THE OCEAN VOYAGE

GENEALOGY   Part III

A few weeks ago, I began sorting through the notes I had gathered during the research phase of the book "Begotten With Love." It was definitely a different time in which our forefathers lived. The challenges and  sacrifices they faced were enormous but face them they did with dignity and resolve.

For my grandmother, coming to America wasn't a matter of want as much as a matter of need.  Her family was poor but proud, industrious, and close-knit. Hedvig was the youngest of eight children. Her father labored as the caretaker of a local church and her mother took in mending.

Three weeks before Hedvig turned seventeen tragedy struck. Her father became ill and died suddenly leaving the family destitute. Within a month, this young woman/child was on a ship to America as an indentured servant. Her story is not unique. Thousands of immigrants sold their very selves for a chance at a better life.

The voyages in those days were wrought with danger. People could die from something as benign as seasickness. Boatloads of passengers were in peril when ships caught fire or broke apart in storms. There was no guarantee of safe passage.

Her mother's burden is unimaginable! Grieving the loss of her husband and saying good-bye to their youngest child knowing she may never return are sacrifices most of us will never experience. Back then, as families said good-bye to their young during this mass movement from Europe, Scandinavia and Great Britain, a tradition (that began in Ireland) took hold. Families gathered for a final party knowing they may never see each other in this lifetime, thus the term Irish Wake.

It is moments like these that I wanted to capture in my writings and I encourage you to do the same. Our ancestor's stories are more than two dates on a tombstone. They are our children's legacy of courage and bravery; hopes and talents and dreams. I believe the stories of our forefathers should continue to live; to guide us . . .teach us . . . and encourage us to be our best.

If you'd like to read an example of how I transformed dreary notes into story form, please visit Amazon.com/author/joannglim for a closer look.  Good luck with your search and writings about your family and heritage.

Jo Ann V. Glim is a 40 year veteran of  freelance writing and author of the eBook "Begotten With Love." To learn more:

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