If one of your late ancestors were to come back from the dead and join you for dinner, what things about your family would this person find the most shocking?
I consider my family to be relatively normal; I would not consider us to be envelope pushing people. My husband and I have been married for 23 years, we have an older son and a younger daughter and a dog to boot. My husband’s occupation is something that has been around for centuries and centuries, construction, and despite the fact that technology has become more present in our lives, there are many components of construction that still haven’t changed.
I think that if any of my late ancestors came to my house for dinner they would feel at home. They might freak out over the computer, the iPads, the electricity and the television but in terms of our sit down dinner; they would feel at home. My late ancestors would be from Great Britain and France so in terms of food they wouldn’t be too shocked with my cooking. I think that they would appreciate a nice roast beef with sautéed string beans and perhaps oven roasted potatoes as well; however, they might be disappointed with the brevity of the meal, instead of four or five courses, they are getting the one, though I might throw in a second course with a green salad and perhaps some cheese.
The most shocking aspect of our lives might be the freedom and independence that my daughter and I have in contrast to how it used to be in the past for most women. I have to confess that I don’t really know anything about my late ancestors on my father’s side; the Great Britain side, except for one relative, my great, great aunt; she was an exceptional woman in terms of her independence and freedom. She was the first woman to own a moped in Bordeaux, France and she dictated her own life choices so I think that she would be applauding how our daughter and our son are exploring their opportunities and possibilities.
On my mother’s side, the French side, I think that most of these relatives would be amazed as to how the role of women has changed in our society; how marriage isn’t primordial anymore in the younger generation and education is such a necessity for both sexes to get ahead in life and having children is becoming a choice rather than a fait accompli.
Even though there might be huge differences on our social, political and economic sensibilities; it would be a huge gift to have the chance to visit with my ancestors from both sides of my family. It would be a gift that I would not be squandering, not at all, it would be incredible.