rancherwriterpoet

His Roots Run Deep

A few weeks ago, I posted an article about birthdays. Actually, it was about my failure to remember birthdays. Not my own birthday, I have a unique ability to remember that one, just not others. I do not know why that is, unless I am being reminded of the fragility of growing older. At my age, I can confess that there are many more years behind me than before me.

However, the subject of birthdays has come up again. I have a great grandson who will celebrate his 1st birthday on Labor Day weekend. (someone told me) He has a big party planned with many family members coming. Well, his parents are actually planning it. It will not even show up on his radar screen. He is the first great grandson of my generation, at least in my family. He is the first grandson, the first nephew, the first 2nd cousin; all told, he is first in many categories. He is special.

Since September 4, 2010, times have been very tumultuous, what with tornados, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes, and Judah’s first year. However, that is not necessarily what I would like him to remember. It is an historical year, of course, but I would want him to know his heritage, of those from which he came.

I would want him to know that his 8x great-grandfather, Reverend Dr. William Morrison, born in Scotland in 1748, settled in New Hampshire around 1781, was ordained by the New York Presbytery, February 12, 1783 and became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of the West Parish, now known as Londonderry, N.H. His roots run deep.

I would want him to know, that he is a very blessed young man to be born in the great United States of America. That he can be anything he wants to be because of the freedoms established in 1776. He must realize that freedom is not given lightly, that there is a duty to uphold those freedoms. His ancestor, Dr. William Morrison, lived in a state that has “live free or die” as its motto. His New England roots run deep.

While the times are very different today from when I was his age, I can only imagine what they may be like when he reaches my age. I would hope he would still be living in the home of the free. Whether he desires to be a doctor, lawyer, preacher, mechanic, carpenter, (like his old great grandpa Pete) or even a politician, it is possible, if he still lives in the land of the free. All of those professions and occupations lie in his ancestral background. His roots run deep.

I would want him to know about other ancestors who passed through Louisiana, staying awhile, becoming “Cajuns”, before finally moving on to the great state of Texas. There is a lot to be said about sausage gumbo and “crawfish etoffee” before attacking a smoked brisket and TexMex. His “Acadian” (Cajun) roots run deep.

I would want him to know that Texas is the greatest state in the union. I am sure there will be disagreement about that, however, it is my blog and Judah is my great grandson. There are those in his family who were not born in Texas, but they got here as soon as they could. He is an authentic Texan. His Texas roots  runs deep.

I would want him to know about his parents, his grandparents and of the bloodlines of his ancestors, those who fought in wars, those who paid the ultimate price in those wars, those who discovered new horizons, those who mentored and educated, and those who lived their lives in a simple fashion. His roots run deep.

I would want him to know his Christian heritage. That personal beliefs can and do play a part of the makeup of each individual. That personal integrity, honesty, and sincerity, coupled with compassion and a belief in God, The Holy Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, will provide him with a secure knowledge of a strong faith. That will carry him far into the life before him. His Christian roots run deep.

Judah, I could tell you  stories about a proud great grandfather (me), your great-great grandfather and even your great-great-great grandfather. Perhaps, someday I will have that opportunity. Until then, young man, enjoy your childhood, cherish the years of your youth,  they all  pass only too quickly, but your roots run deep.

Judah, this is what I would want you to know.                                                             Grandpa Pete

Have a great day