I recently attended a workshop where one of the assignments was to write an imaginary letter from a descendant some 50, 60, 70, even 100 years in the future. I thought I’d share a bit of what I ended up writing, and as you read it imagine what such a letter to you, from a descendant (even if you don’t have direct descendants) might say to/ask of you.
For those of you who still have elders in your life, perhaps you could engage them in a conversation about such things.
The challenge, for me is to decide whether to answer this letter; answering the questions raised and leave it as a part of my legacy. I might have to do as Samuel Clements (Mark Twain) did and order them sealed until 100 years after my death (just kidding, sort of). Here’s the letter:
“Dear Great, Great, Great, Great, Grandfather Ted,
I heard that you often spoke to others of how valuable it would have been for you to learn directly from your ancestors. How you wished that you would have had a written record of their experiences in life. I have heard of you and I am one of those who is intrigued to know more. I’ve have a hunch that what you have written is just a somewhat sanitized glimpse of who you were.
I have attached a list of things I’d like to have you talk about. I’m asking you these things because parts of my life are very confusing. Sometimes I wonder if I am the only one who thinks and ponders such things. I sometimes wonder if I am crazy because most people seem to not be concerned or troubled by the things that go through my mind. Thanks in advance, I know you were the kind of person who would help if they could. I think it would be very helpful for me to know.
Your Great, Great, Great, Great Grandson,
Ted”