Family History 101: The Importance of Writing Your Family Story

Mother's autobiography

One of the greatest gifts my mother ever gave our family wasn't something she bought—it was the story of her life. She took the time to write her memories, print copies for her children, and preserve experiences that might otherwise have been lost forever. Reading her autobiography has become more meaningful with each passing year, and now I'm watching my own daughter discover those same stories for the first time.

How neat it is to dust off my mother's autobiography and catch up on family history! My 11-year old daughter is right now reading this book. She's at that age where she asks lots of questions. She also reads my blog every day, so I have to be careful what I post! ;-)

Biography for future generations

My mother wrote this biography and printed out copies for all of my siblings. This is a book to be cherished and passed down from generation to generation!

Here's an excerpt during World War II. My mother remembered having to cover their windows to block light -- out of fear the enemy would spot a target and drop a bomb: Most able-bodied men went to war, my brother Tommy included, leaving the women to find work. Mom and my sister Ruth both worked at a defense plant where they made ammunition.

I was told it was a dangerous place to work and it wasn't uncommon for explosions in the plant. The building has a hinged roof that would open to let fumes out or incase of an explosion it would open to prevent the building being destroyed. They had to wear facemasks, to cover their hair, wear gloves and some women had allergic reactions to the sulfer and chemicals used there. According to mom it was during the war that women first cut their long hair and started wearing pants.

St Louis Defense Plant 

The defense plant today (St. Louis, Missouri)

Family farmhouse in Missouri 

My grandmother's old farm house. The town is no longer there, and the house had burned down. I was surprised to learn that this house used to be a general store!

Uncle Freddie and my mom.

My maternal grandpa Perou.

Grandpa recycling 

Maternal Great Grandpa Groat, building with oil cans.

Florida vacation

Somewhere off the coast of Florida. I'm in the back with the wind blowing my hair. If I'm not mistaken ---- this was when my family drove down to see Jim and Tammy Bakker (before they became infamous.)

The autobiography reads like an action packed novel - ups and downs, and harrowing moments -- from our evacuation from the Watt's Riot in downtown Los Angeles, to the time we left Death Valley and got stuck in a surprise blizzard.

Why Family Stories Matter

Old photographs tell us what our relatives looked like, but written memories tell us who they were.

Simple details about childhood, family traditions, military service, farms, jobs, and everyday life become priceless as the years pass. Many of the questions our children and grandchildren will someday ask can only be answered if someone takes the time to write them down.

Looking back, I'm incredibly thankful my mother preserved these stories. They remind me that every family has a history worth saving—and that even ordinary moments can become extraordinary memories for future generations.

I'm not sure I have the guts to do my own autobiography.

Does blogging count? Maybe that's one of the unexpected blessings of blogging—it quietly becomes a family history, one story at a time. I can honestly say, I have never regretted being able to look back on my life these last 20 years since blogging and finding old recipes or photos.