My family ancestors all lived in the small Island of Groix on the coast of Brittany. In the church archives I found their names down to 1590 for the earliest. Most of them were fishermen or sailors in trade or in the Navy. A lot disappeared in the ocean at a young age. My father was the first one to take a "land" job in construction. I always feel that the land, the sand and the granite are a part of me. Your story reminded me of that part of my life away from Iowa. Thank you for writing it.
I have Irish/Iowa roots as well, Mary. I have visited the County Cork in Ireland looking for the Murphy’s and in Armagh in Northern Ireland I looked for the Berry’s (who are Barry’s there). I admire your determination to find your family roots. I can’t wait to read about your visit with your cousin, the gravedigger.
Hi, Mary. This is a comment for "You Didn't Keep Score?" though I seem to be at the St Brendan's comment site, which I also loved. "You Didn't Keep Score" is beautiful and moving, touched me to tears. Thank you!
Wow! Yes, I agree with Bonnie. Great telling. Brilliant last line. Love how you weave together the stories and earths of Ireland and Iowa.
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Archetypal Irish folk telling. Great piece.
Thank you, Claire!
My family ancestors all lived in the small Island of Groix on the coast of Brittany. In the church archives I found their names down to 1590 for the earliest. Most of them were fishermen or sailors in trade or in the Navy. A lot disappeared in the ocean at a young age. My father was the first one to take a "land" job in construction. I always feel that the land, the sand and the granite are a part of me. Your story reminded me of that part of my life away from Iowa. Thank you for writing it.
Wonderful, Francoise. What a discovery in the church archives! Yes, I found a similar story with young men lost at sea. You certainly have a legacy.
How about writing another piece for Emerging Voices? I'd welcome your scientific expertise on any subject you'd like to explore.
I have Irish/Iowa roots as well, Mary. I have visited the County Cork in Ireland looking for the Murphy’s and in Armagh in Northern Ireland I looked for the Berry’s (who are Barry’s there). I admire your determination to find your family roots. I can’t wait to read about your visit with your cousin, the gravedigger.
Great connection, Kathi! It's quite a quest to find those roots connections. Good for you for going to Cork and Armagh.
Gravedigger will make future appearances!
I love that you got to find your ancestors. Idove to do the same.
Thanks, Linda. I hope you do the same.
Great telling, Mary.
Thanks, Bonnie!
:-)
Just “swell,” this account and point of view. Thanks.
Hi, Mary. This is a comment for "You Didn't Keep Score?" though I seem to be at the St Brendan's comment site, which I also loved. "You Didn't Keep Score" is beautiful and moving, touched me to tears. Thank you!