I was not someone who was inclined to ask a lot of questions about my parents’ lives, nor that of my grandparents. I knew bits and pieces and this seemed enough. However, on reading through a copy of my paternal Grandfather’s life story which he had penned in his own hand-writing, I felt a connection that surprised me. I could see so many similarities, such as his varying work experiences, his business-focus, his accounts of his dealings such as the value of properties, businesses, and land. He seemed to embody an entrepreneurial spirit that I recognise within me.

I used some of his words from his life story for my own family album:

 “I was keen to get out of poverty lane”, and so began his journey which saw him buy a share in a promising gold show at the age of 15, train runners for gaslight foot running competitions, work in the mines, grow sugar, owned a 20 square mile cattle property with 600 head of cattle. He left the cattle property to join his wife in Brisbane, and became a bookmaker, and followed this with owning picture theatres, He seemed to be quite successful at whatever he turned his hand to. He valued honesty and hard-work.”

Values and Challenges

These just happen to be the same two traits that I happen to value highly. Of particular interest to me, were the enormous challenges that came with life on the land. For example, he wrote about the times when his father purchased 100 acres of scrub land in Innisfail.

“Times ahead were difficult, with Daniel’s father’s health suffering with Sprue (leaving him unable to work), a fire burning 12 months of sugar cane crop and a huge flood in 1913. Two years later came cane grub, attacking all the roots of the cane. An opportunity presented itself to purchase one of the best farms in Innisfail, so Daniel’s father purchased it. The old farm (105 acres) and the new farm (130 acres) kept them busy. Both farms and the house were completely destroyed by a cyclone in 1918, but fortunately the cane did not deteriorate and crushing could go ahead producing 4,100 tonnes of cane with a value of 6000 pounds. After 9 years on the farm, Daniel left for the town to embark on his next enterprises.”

This shows how our family stories can be told without just focusing on the positive. They can be stories of redemption. Stories of getting through the challenges that come our way. As his grand-daughter, even though I was too young when he passed away to have vivid recollections of him, I very much value knowing these facts today, his story.

A simple conversation

A columnist for the Weekend Australian magazine, Bernard Salt, reflects on the delight he had in capturing his mother’s story. He writes:

“I started by asking where her parents (born in the 1890’s) might think of Australia today.”

“Oh, all the modern things we have, they would be amazed.” Bernard thought se was referring to the internet, to social media and mobile phones. So he asked “What things?” She replied:

“Things like the electric blanket.” His surprise was replaced by understanding when he reflected that she didn’t live in a house with electricity until 1947. He writes “To her and her parents, the great advances related to the most basic aspects of daily life.”

Bernard then asked, in which decade did things change the most? Without hesitating, his mother replied “The 1960’s”. Being devoutly religious he expected this to be referring to sexual freedoms of the era. However, he was surprised to learn that she was referring to the changes that came through school. “In the 1960’s, kids were asked their opinion. …They were taught how to think. I was taught what to think.” said his mother who started school during the Great Depression.

Other insightful questions Bernard asked his mother were:

• Had she ever been concerned for the future of Australia?
• The first movie she saw?
• What made the most difference to her life as a young mother?
• About her thoughts about Australia today and into the future?

Since writing his articles, Bernard’s mum has passed away. I’m sure this conversation gives meaning to his life, when viewed from this broader perspective. The list is only limited by our curiosity. I’ll be creating fifty prompts for you to use when you start to capture your family’s story in words. And hopefully, if you add any pearls to this list, I’d love to hear them. Alternatively, if you take advantage of one of our support options, we can explore these questions armed with a coffee, tea or hot chocolate and our lap-tops. I would be honoured to co-create with you.