My Brainchild

Hey Smith Family (and beloved extensions)  I have reached the point in my life that I want to know and preserve all of the family history I can.  Those of us who understand Temple work recognize the importance of knowing the numbers, birth dates, death dates, etc. but I have recently become aware of the dangers we face in this "technology" age.  When my parents were children instead of being entertained by a television they were entertained by stories.  These stories were family history that was passed on verbally but probably not written down.  These stories inform us of the gifts, talents, heartaches, and character of those that have gone before us and I am greedy to hear them.  I invite you all to contribute to this blog.  At least once a week I will post a picture from those I have managed to recover from the fire I had in '91 or some other source.  I might choose something I know nothing about and ask you to tell me a story or I might choose a picture I can personally comment on and I will tell you a story.  Here is my challenge to you:

1.  Visit often, comment on the picture.  Share what you remember about the person or event.
2.  If the picture sparks a memory of another event please share what you remember.
3.  If you feel inspired to do so go ahead and create a post of your own in this blog.
4.  Please include dates and first and last names as often as you can.  I have never had a great memory and it is getting worse. You may well look at that picture and know who everyone is but I (and others like me) may not and "inquiring minds want to know".

5.  Please be kind.  While the heartaches are as important a part of our history as the joys I want us to remember those heartaches, foibles, mistakes, or even dastardly deeds from a positive perspective.  Please don't "whitewash" but don't do blame and shame.  If someone shares a story that you remember differently say so.  We learn more from differing perspectives than from tunnel vision.

Last,  I am NOT an expert at maintaining a blog.  All suggestions, recommendations, etc are welcome.  I WILL make mistakes.  I will laugh about them and do my best to fix them.  You have my permission to laugh at me but if you know what I did wrong and how I can fix it, please let me know.

If this works the way I want it to, we can have these memories printed into a book!

I love the Smith/Sorensen family, please don't be shy. If you would like to be a contributing author to this blog send me your e-mail address on facebook or at joelkers@yahoo.com and I will set it up.

Jan (Janell Jensen Oelkers)