A cute poem that goes along great with any lesson or talk on Family History or Genealogy. Â
I love today’s modern technology and the simplicity it gives when finding family names
to take to the temple. It’s a lot easier than when I was younger! My favorite part about genealogy is learning about my ancestors through stories and pictures.
Wanting my kids to know the names of some of their ancestors, I put up what I call our “Ancestor Wall” in the hallway of our home. It has framed black and white photos of their grandparents in their younger years along with many of their great and great-great grandparents and so forth from both sides of the family. At the bottom of each picture, I slipped in a typed note that has the ancestor’s name along with how my kids are related to them.Â
It’s fun to look at the pictures and imagine what life must have been like so many years ago.
In the center of my ancestor wall is a poem entitled “If…” by Mable Baker. It’s become one of my favorites!
IF…
If you could see your ancestors
All standing in a row,
Would you be proud of them?
Or don’t you really know?
Some mighty strange discoveries are made
In climbing family trees,
And some of them, you know
Might not particularly please
Â
If you could see your ancestors
All standing in a row
There might be some of them
You wouldn’t care to know.
But here is another question
That requires a different view
If you could meet your ancestors,
What would they think of you?
Come, Follow Me or FHE Suggestion:
When learning more about temple work for the dead, gear your discussion towards learning more about your deceased ancestors. You could tell stories from an ancestor’s life, cook their favorite food on their birthday, display pictures and if possible, plan to receive ordinances for an ancestor in the temple.Â
Yours Truly,
P.S. For more great poems here at Melanie’s Library, Click HERE
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