My initial introduction to FindaGrave was when constructing my family (Long/Walker) tree through ancestry.com (which automatically cross-references FaG periodically). Any number of volunteers dedicate themselves to creating these on-line memorials for the respective families, who can also do this if desired. Funeral homes as well are increasingly providing such memorial services. A close family member can choose to represent other family members, as the main caretaker, in the management/upkeep of the particular FaG site. A request to the original curator specifying family connection is required for transfer. Only certain authorized writeups are allowed by FaG, e.g. original obits. The bridge between my family tree site and this site works fairly well on both sides, with provision for a link to my ancestry.com site on FaG and citations (no custom links however) within ancestry.com for each known individual within FaG.

In my personal experience, which is centered around honoring loved ones over several generations through establishing various historical connections, it has been both inspiring and touching at the same time. To understand the roots, good/bad/indifferent, of your descendents adds a new dimension to our humanity and genes that make us who we are. It also allows us to reflect on times in the past and how difficult life was compared to today in so many ways. Could we today have measured up to their unflinching spirit and profound ideals ?

Another major set of distinctions, insofar as family and trials/tribulations are concerned, families in the past were much larger in number and, with a few exceptions, life was much shorter in duration. The constant from then to now is discovering graves of family infants and sharing in the loss undoubtedly felt by their immediate relatives during that time. Surely underpinning all generations moving forward is the innate instinct of survival-at-any-cost that keeps the human race and its next generation springing forth.

In the end, nothing can ever replace our departed loved ones but keeping their memories alive is certainly commendable. The next generation--when new life stirs and follows in our footsteps--will definitely be grateful and proud of these memories as well.

All for the right reasons after all.

DEL

My initial introduction to FindaGrave was when constructing my family (Long/Walker) tree through ancestry.com (which automatically cross-references FaG periodically). Any number of volunteers dedicate themselves to creating these on-line memorials for the respective families, who can also do this if desired. Funeral homes as well are increasingly providing such memorial services. A close family member can choose to represent other family members, as the main caretaker, in the management/upkeep of the particular FaG site. A request to the original curator specifying family connection is required for transfer. Only certain authorized writeups are allowed by FaG, e.g. original obits. The bridge between my family tree site and this site works fairly well on both sides, with provision for a link to my ancestry.com site on FaG and citations (no custom links however) within ancestry.com for each known individual within FaG.

In my personal experience, which is centered around honoring loved ones over several generations through establishing various historical connections, it has been both inspiring and touching at the same time. To understand the roots, good/bad/indifferent, of your descendents adds a new dimension to our humanity and genes that make us who we are. It also allows us to reflect on times in the past and how difficult life was compared to today in so many ways. Could we today have measured up to their unflinching spirit and profound ideals ?

Another major set of distinctions, insofar as family and trials/tribulations are concerned, families in the past were much larger in number and, with a few exceptions, life was much shorter in duration. The constant from then to now is discovering graves of family infants and sharing in the loss undoubtedly felt by their immediate relatives during that time. Surely underpinning all generations moving forward is the innate instinct of survival-at-any-cost that keeps the human race and its next generation springing forth.

In the end, nothing can ever replace our departed loved ones but keeping their memories alive is certainly commendable. The next generation--when new life stirs and follows in our footsteps--will definitely be grateful and proud of these memories as well.

All for the right reasons after all.

DEL