Generations, Influences, and Traditions

Over the years, I have loved reading. I recall spending endless summer days and nights as a teenager with my nose in a book. As an adult, I have continued to love reading. Typically in the past, I had at least two books in progress simultaneously. While sometimes confusing, this practice allowed me to never be without reading material, and generally it meant that I was always at a "good part" in at least one of the books. I find that I do this less often now. Instead, I find that I am consumed by a book, not only while reading it but in my thought process throughout the day.

This was no less the case while reading Hanna's Daughters: A Novel of Three Generations written by Marianne Fredricksson. I found myself intrigued and immersed with the lives of Fredricksson's characters, Hanna, Johanna, and Anna as well as Scandinavian culture and history. When not reading, I began to ask myself many of the same questions that the author explored in the book. How have I been influenced by my family of origin? What actions do I take that are like those of my mother, grandmother and great-grandmother? I certainly can see the physical resemblance, and I find myself saying things just as my mom has over the years. As I contemplated all of these issues, I thought about the history of Farmer's Country Store, the building's history, and the many generations of people who have walked through the doors of 540 North High Street in Lancaster, Ohio.

As I continued to be consumed by my reading and thoughts about family influences, three generations of one family visited the shop. They had traveled from two different states to Ohio for a family reunion, and they said that their trip always included a visit to Farmer's Country Store. The youngest of the group, 3-month-old Elan, represented the 4th generation living within the family, and she was making her first pilgrimage to Lancaster. Elan is pictured with her mother and grandmother. While talking with the family, I realized that our families' lives have been entwined over the years, given that my mother and Elan's great grandmother went to school together. Further, our families have met over the years in the shop and in the community.

Given what I had been reading, I could not help but think about the generational influences on all of us and in particular, Elan. Clearly, she is showered with love from several generations in her family. Further, she already bears resemblance of her family in actions and looks. Perhaps unwittingly at this moment, too, she is engaged in carrying out traditions and learning, not only about herself but the family around her. While she will not recall this visit, I wonder how the snapshots, the collection of charms purchased over the years by her mother, and the stories of the family reunions will shape her life. What might she say in the future about how her family influenced her? When will she recognize that her life is influenced by the generations that came before her?

As I pose these questions, I am struck that there are many simple and complex answers. They are questions that require reflection. At the moment, though, I want to pause and just enjoy seeing the togetherness of three beautiful generations, who brought love and an infectious laughter with them into the shop. I appreciate that they allowed us to be a part of a family tradition.

My sense is that many of you reading also have a story to share about your visits to 540 North High Street and/or the generations in your family that have shopped at the store. For some of you, this might actually involve entering a grocery store that my grandparents operated. Others may only know about entering the cyberspace of the store through the website, blog, or facebook page. Regardless of how you entered our lives, we would love to hear your story.

Best,
Joyce

P.S. Elan's grandmother's name is Joyce. While I do not tend to meet many people with the name Joyce, it seems that my blog posts are about the Joyces that I do meet!