Sir John A MacDonald – 1st Prime Minister of Canada
What is the term for the expression, “famous by association”? Well, that is what has happened to me in my pursuit of my family history. Little did I know that a prominent scholar would contact me about a relative of mine and his association with a famous Canadian, Sir John A MacDonald. Well, I can’t tell you the details – yet – I posted some earlier, as I promised the fellow that I would keep my trap shut.
But what I wanted to say was sometimes history does matter. And sometimes shedding light on it in the present can turn the facts into fiction, or fiction into facts. These links to the past, sometimes glorious, sometimes downright embarrassing, can illuminate our origins and why we think, feel (or vote) the way we do. The hand-me-downs of the past include beliefs engrained in our ancestor’s lives, often political, religious; even prejudices.
The said historian was surprised that another source of his on the case was angered by his questioning of her family’s illustrious past. She was frightened, likely, that he might shed some light on it, and shake the firmament of family legend and her own belief systems thereby. But why not?
Often those who have not done for themselves rely on legend to tell their own stories. And I am guilty of that. Again, why not? Are we really the sum of our family/nation/creed’s stories? Or are we searching for meaning within ourselves through connection to our rich past?
These are a lot of questions without answers, I’m afraid. But I admit to the crime of loving to hear about it. Tell me all about what so-and-so did in 1834, the court case fight, the tavern brawl, as well as the mighty things they did to build this country and put bread on the table. I love it all. I am guilty as charged for loving my family history and riding on its coat-tails all the way. Why not tell the world how you (your family) had a hand in building one of the greatest nations in the world (Yes, I speak of Canada)? And yes, they were human too, with mistakes (and scars) to boot. Even these are fascinating fodder for our lives.
I’m just like them. Infamous – or famous – by association. Sometimes visibly, and sometimes quietly living a life of extraordinary measure. I have my own stories too. Undocumented at times. And Unapologetic. And I can’t wait to write my way to the finish line. Or by-line.
“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”
– Helen Keller
Living history – or making it – is far more satisfying, but resurrecting one can be just as much fun.
That's Relative! 
