"Who Do You Think You Are?"

Tonight my wife and I watched on television that new show about genealogy, "Who Do You Think You Are?". I was fascinated by the way this episode turned out for reasons that I will discuss later. Tonight's episode followed Matthew Broderick's search for his maternal great-great-great-(great?) grandfather. I have seen three of these shows and each has touched me quite unexpectedly.

The first show that we saw dealt with Sarah Jessica Parker. It was interesting. She followed her great grandfather to the gold fields of California. She traced his life to an area near Placerville, California and at one point was travelling up "Pleasant Valley Road". My brothers and sisters will note that this is the same road on which we lived for two years in the 60's. (My youngest sister was born in Placerville.) I think I am destined to watch the show. These shows are hitting close to home.

I mean, I used to live in Placerville, and Sarah Jessica Parker drove right by my old house. And for tonight's search, Matthew Broderick found his great-great-great-grandfather's grave and I have always been fascinated by cemeteries. I should explain that a bit further.

During the course of my spiritual, secondary and collegial education I developed an interest in life stories, the dash, so to speak. (Birth-death, where the dash means the entire list of accomplishments of a persons life.) I was fascinated how a cemetery can house a persons body and list there historical record - every one has a story. Everyone has a story that really can't be told on a headstone. I discovered this and set on a journey to make my "dash" mean something.

Part of that quest is the establishment of this blog two and a half years ago. Part of that quest is my poetry and my writing; my beautiful wife and two beautiful children; my life and my work. I am constantly searching for meaning in my life. It is an ongoing journey.

I wish you luck and good fortune in your quests.
D.