Passing the Torch

Over the previous week I have been sorting family photographs dating to the early to mid 1800s.  Now I'm beginning to place those same photographs into photo albums in order to make the sorting process easier.  Subconsciously this has been a time of reflection.  As these thoughts bubble up to the level of cognizance, I find myself regretful over missed opportunity: time with family deciphering the wealth of information through pictures and documents I find before me.  In speaking to an acquaintance at the cigar shop, a realization dawned I am not alone in these thoughts and feelings.  How may we individually guard against this by seizing the day when we are younger, full of life, and taking such treasures as family for granted?  Now it is my duty to uphold my family honor and tradition by uncovering the treasure before me and sharing it with my present family.  The torch of the family heritage and culture has been passed on to me, however unconscious of this I may have been at the time of my youth.  We are the generation bridging the gap from old to new, attempting to make up for lost time and opportunity.  It is crucial people know who they are, or the world will assign an identity to them.

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