Back in the good old days: reconnecting with family

We all say it, “back in the good old days.”

I have said this a thousand times with longing for the days as a child growing up in my beloved Green River. We look at how life is now and look back and wonder how it all changed to this level. The memories we have of our growing-up, stays with us always. It is a part of us. Most of us look back with fondness to those days gone by.

Not long ago, I saw a posting on Facebook of the record snowfall in Wyoming from the 1960s. The weather has changed drastically from what we saw back then. Many people commented about their experiences with the deep snow and the blowing cold. In a way, it started a conversation about local families. One thing led to another and cousins and siblings started telling about “do you remember when…” I love those stories. It is always fun, but more importantly, it is good to continually share oral histories. Whether you are from Wyoming, the United States, or another country, it doesn’t matter. Passing along family histories can be the link from generation to generation.

When I was young, I loved hearing my Grandpa’s tales. Generally we never knew if they were all true or not, but he could sure make the stories fun. When I became an adult, I began working on my family history. Part of that research was to prove or disprove his stories. After some time and diligence, I have been able to prove that many of we thought to just be tall tales, are based on truth. Now I am a bit sad that I did not listen a little closer to these amazing family histories. Sorry, Grandpa!

In this age we are lucky because we have Facebook, Twitter, and cell phones to connect us. I use some of these things myself. On Facebook, my husband’s cousin started a separate group page that allows anyone from the family that is added to join in on conversations and share photos.

This is one of my favorite tools on Facebook. There is nothing like opening up the group link and finding a never-before-seen photo of your parents or a beloved grandparent. I appreciate her work so very much. Now many others in that family line are joining in and reacquainting one another with lost memories. I love the joy of teasing and silly tales from past family reunions. I have now started a page for my family line as well.

One of the family’s favorite things to do, is telling stories of Grandpa Joseph Gilmore or “Jody” as he was better known and his antics. One such story tells of a drowning in the Uinta Mountains. Jody and several other young men and were working for a local rancher. The job at hand was to move several head of cattle across the river and up into the mountains. As one of the young men started to cross the river pushing the cattle, his horse reared up and he was thrown off his horse. The water was strong enough that he was taken under. The other saw what was happening and they tried to get to the man. As they finally pulled him from the water, they saw that he was not breathing.

CPR was not something that anyone knew of back in those days. They felt all hope was lost. Saddened, they placed their friend over the saddle of his horse and started for home. What an awful thing to have happen and now to tell the boss and family of the tragedy. They “lit-out” for the ranch. The horses were at a full gallop as they worked their way down the hill. Suddenly, the cowboys heard what sounded like a cough coming from the drowned man. They stopped and check him and to their amazement he was breathing. Apparently by running the horse, CPR was performed.

Underneath, we all need to feel connected to others in one way or another. Maybe if you have not started your own website or Facebook page to reconnect family members or school chums, it is time. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to get started. All you need to do is start a conversation. Ask a few simple questions like, “What was your favorite memory of Grandpa or Grandma?”, “What was your earliest memory?”, “Do you have photos from the past and would you be willing to share them?” These are just a few simple ideas. Just by starting an opening conversation, you may find that your family may also be yearning to join in the fun. Remember, the holidays are coming.

What a great time to begin.