Strength in Family Roots

As I listen to the Merle Haggard song, "Roots of my Raising," it brings back memories. Although I grew up not in the South, but in northern Wisconsin, there are memories that are the same. We can all think about the past if those memories give us the "strength" to live today . Though today is a "present" and a "gift", the memories of our families give us the strength to appreciate this "present". Those memories of my childhood home, across the street from Grandpa and Grandma's home, bring memories of eating ice cream cones and swinging on the front porch swing and singing country songs. There are memories of my dad reading the newspaper and mom , wearing her apron and making doughnuts in the kitchen. Pictures of the family all around just like I have today in my home. My dad, a quiet man, who never bought or borrowed anything unless he could afford it. My aunt lived in the bedroom upstairs and sang Polish and country songs with me. My brother is remembered as my childhood friend when we played in the backyard. These memories are "rooted " in my heart and run "deep". These memories give me strength to carry on the family values . These memories give me a "common" and "solid" ground in my life. 

by Alex