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Like last month—my mind has been focused heavily on the joys of learning about and connecting to our family histories. As we learn about their stories, we also discover they are deeply involved in our own stories. As an example, my great-great-grandfather was heavily persecuted for his religious and political beliefs. He and his friends did not fit into the day's standard institutional and religious belief systems, even in this U.S. of A. Over time, he became a victim in a vicious and infamous massacre, where 17 of his friends were murdered. He was shot eleven times and left for dead by a ruthless, face-painted mob that assembled from his neighboring community. After being cut to pieces—and by a miracle of God, he survived and went on to raise a family out west—where one of his sons helped settle the very mountain valley where I also settled with my family. I followed on a path unknowingly molded by our interconnected hearts. I discovered an angel! Undaunted by his trials, he served his family and community well, and I have struggled to do the same. And if you think this is an incredible story, I can guarantee you will find a similar or more personal journey by your ancestors. These discoveries lead us to understand better how we are all connected, and they help build a resilient empathy that can easily displace much of the anger and divisiveness found surrounding us and our families today. My journey of peace is uniquely reflected in some of these short poems. Again—here is a link to some of my other family and ancestry-related poetry: Family Poems. Please enjoy the remains of this beautiful and joyous summer! Your friend—Doug
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