52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Water

It is Week 14 in the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks’ writing challenge. And trust me when I tell you, this week’s writing prompt, Water, was much harder than I first believed.

I thought about the men in our combined families whose professions were on the water. However, as I had previously written about the mariner men in our families’ trees, I needed another option.

I then considered the surname Water or Waters. Surely, with 12,000+ people in our combined families’ tree, there must be at least one Water/Waters within the branches. There was not. Really?

At this point, I was at a loss and had no clue about whom to write. I needed an idea…fast, so I went back to our ancestors’ list and perused the names again. Suddenly, a wave of inspiration washed over me. Instead of limiting myself to Water/Waters, maybe I should cast a wider net: What about “bodies of water” surnames instead?

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Book Review: All the Flowers in Paris

As a family historian, I endeavor to breathe life into my ancestors by telling their tales. Taking aged documents, diaries, letters, and photographs, I try to recreate my predecessors’ realities, using our words and my imagination. Everyone has a story to share.

La Tour de France

In life’s travels, we often take side trips. Some side trips prove to be integral aspects of our life’s journey, as in higher education, career choices, marriage, or having children. Others prove to be enlightening and exciting diversions.

In this series, Passport to the World, I will help tell my own life story by revisiting the side trips I have made. The first stop is France.