After another wonderful trip home to Newfoundland, I recognized that I love listening to stories from the past. I could sit up all night and just listen to the elders tell stories of my parents, grandparents and even great grandparents. I never got to meet my great grandparents and one of my grandfathers, but I feel like I know them and I'm connected through these stories. Won't be long now and I'll be an elder-I am already to some!<br /> <br /> I love hearing how my grandparents met and how they started going together. I love hearing funny stories about who was a joker and how they played tricks on each other. When we went to visit my paternal great aunt last year, my father, uncle and her told story after story about the past; and I soaked it all in. My paternal grandmother used to tell us grandkids lots of stories but I sort of forgot them a little, so it was nice to revisit them.<br /> <br /> My mom and aunt have lots of great stories too and especially when they get together with their first cousin/s. I do remember my maternal grandmother, but didn't know of her childhood and life as a young woman. The greatest compliment I received this time home from my second cousins, was that I reminded them of my maternal grandmother which is their aunt-certain ways I walk and such. I feel I look like both my grandmothers and I treasure that, for I loved them both.<br /> <br /> I like to know as much as I can of my ancestors, who shaped me and whom I evolved from. I like to think I carry a little bit of each of them within me, the good and the bad which makes life interesting :)<br /> <br /> I guess that's nature's way of writing history; passing down stories from generation to generation. They might get lost in detail along the way, but the essence of them remain and is passed down.<br /> <br /> Listen to elders, they have a lot to say<br /> <br /> Take care (and always tell the children stories of the past) and all the best~Celeste<br /> <br /> www.talesfromaway.com   Submitted By: Alicia "Celeste" Loughrey