My Promise

 

I sit on the shore in my favorite spot-

watching the water lapping on rocks.

Thinking of family, once here, and now gone,

from this very place- to somewhere beyond.

This is my spot, my time, and my space

to make an impression on this generation.

My mother, her brothers, their father and others-

with those of their eldershad been early builders.

They trapped for a living-were guides, ever giving a tourist a treat of wilderness living.

Necessity forged the tools which were needed-

to keep hearth and home, and family heated.

Each day was a challange of man against nature.

Each day was then met with humor and stature.

We MUST thank the women who held it together-

chopped wood, and had babies-

made beds out of feathers.

So much we do owe those women before us-

the one's who now sing in "His Heavenly Chorus".

I think, as I sit, how lucky I am

for the hard work, and suffering by woman and man.

They worked, and they fought, what ever the rival-

from father to son-the art of survival.

May we not forget them in everyday living-

be thankful, and humble--

but, mostly--forgiving!!

 

Shirley Ruksznis Young ©2000

 

 

This is the Petras Ruksznis family-my grandfather, Peter arrived in America in 1908.  My Dad is the tall guy on the top right..my grandmother, Florence taught me to sing!!!!