The Sterner Stuff

We don't put down deep roots in my family; we've been moving for the last several generations, if not longer. At least once a lifetime my ancestors would load up the kids and a handful of meager possessions onto a ship or into a wagon and set off for parts unknown. Who knows what prompted them to take that leap, what wild fantasies they nurtured in the darkest recesses of their hearts? Penniless peasants all, but they weren't stupid and they certainly didn't lack ambition. They were made of sterner stuff than my generation.

I come from a long line of people who wanted something more from life than the predictable comfort of hearth and home, and who had the wit and courage to seek it out. Misfits, malcontents, seekers of all stripes - it's in my blood.

1. Aunt Clara Seay holding Ruben, Grandma Nellie holding Martha Sue, Aunt Lula Heath, Aunt Ruby Seay, Aunt Mag Seay, Amy, Ruby, Eva & Betty
2. Boyd, Mama, Betty, Eva, Amy, Ruby, Jack & Willie (Janie & Linda yet to come.)
3. Mama, Betty, Eva @ 1940
4. Boyd, Mama, Betty & Eva on Grandpa Heath's horse Stella