The older generation

Today marks 13 days since my mom has passed away. Almost 2 weeks. My home is currently a museum in her honor. All of her artwork, personal possessions and remnants of her life are sitting on my couch or floor. I had the arduous task of going through her photos and mementos. In retrospect, it was very uplifting to see that she had saved things that should be passed down. A letter from America to Norway, written in 1868 ~ in Norwegian, to relatives that were concerned for Learfald Nelson's safety. He wrote to them to ease their worries and to tell them about a wonderful country of prosperity and possibility. To explain that the Lord was watching over him and his family. He bought a lot ~ 40 acres total ~ for $800.00. Cows were very expensive at $30 each and to really farm the land, he would have to sacrifice $180. for a pair of oxen. Why do I need to know that? Because it shows me that things have been overcome before my time. That my heritage is about surviving and thriving and building up something for someone to cherish. This was all on my father's side. People who knew I was coming even though they didn't know my name. They were hopeful that I would be a good steward over the precious land and THAT letter. He talked about being in the Lord's hands, save and secure. How happy he was that they practiced the Lutheran faith the same as in Norway. Quite a guy that Nelson.
I also found my grandfather's (on my mother's side) graduation from grammar school diploma and program from 1903. He used that somewhat limited education to provide for his family in any way he could. He was a very hard worker and a talented accountant. My grandmother was 3 years older than he and his family would not let him marry until he was 21. They met when he was 18 and he was smitten immediately. Before they married in October of 1915, he asked her what was more important, a ring or furniture for their new home. She opted for furniture. That Christmas, only 2 months later, she came down to have her morning coffee, and her cup was tilted on the saucer. She lifted it up and there was a ring. He always had her wishes and desires in his heart.

That is my heritage. That is my example.

Now, I am the older generation. I am next in line for the great beyond. I hope that my family will someday go through my photos *digital of course* and realize I want them to carry on, to bring to their families the eternity of love and to know that Learfeld Nelson did not fear his new adventure but rather embraced it for thier future. That Grandpa Lunkes loved his wife more than anything. And most important, they are creating a legacy as well.