"If Only" is said to be the saddest words in the world. How often we have used them! If only we hadn't done that, or if only we hadn't said that, or if only we had tried harder. There are so many instances. I guess on the spur of the moment we just don't think ahead.
On a brighter note--my "if only" is regret that I didn't ask my parents and grandparents more about our family history. Perhaps it takes till old age to become so interested in the past. I was in my early twenties when my grandparents passed away, and at that stage, not very interested in history. I had spent a lot of time with my grandparents, especially my grandmothers, heard them talk about their siblings, and probably met a few of them when they visited. No I look at old photos and wonder who they are.
Now I wonder about their youth--their schooling, their entertainment and social life. They were big families, one grandmother was one of eleven. How did they cope? Farms were small. They were the pioneers in their district, clearing mallee scrub and ploughing the stoney limestone country. There must have been times when food was scarce!
Looking at the old family wedding photos, I am intrigued with the women's dresses. Their clothes were beautiful. How did they manage that? Were these hand-me-downs or was there a talented seamstress in the family? I know my grandmother was very good at crocheting.
If only I had asked more questions.
Margaret Nelson
September 1919
On a brighter note--my "if only" is regret that I didn't ask my parents and grandparents more about our family history. Perhaps it takes till old age to become so interested in the past. I was in my early twenties when my grandparents passed away, and at that stage, not very interested in history. I had spent a lot of time with my grandparents, especially my grandmothers, heard them talk about their siblings, and probably met a few of them when they visited. No I look at old photos and wonder who they are.
Now I wonder about their youth--their schooling, their entertainment and social life. They were big families, one grandmother was one of eleven. How did they cope? Farms were small. They were the pioneers in their district, clearing mallee scrub and ploughing the stoney limestone country. There must have been times when food was scarce!
Looking at the old family wedding photos, I am intrigued with the women's dresses. Their clothes were beautiful. How did they manage that? Were these hand-me-downs or was there a talented seamstress in the family? I know my grandmother was very good at crocheting.
If only I had asked more questions.
Margaret Nelson
September 1919
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