The Bunting’s Tale - Year One Reflections
When I started The Bunting’s Tale a year ago I can honestly say I had no idea what I was in for. Based on the idea that people would want to keep the voices of their families telling stories, I set off on a journey that has been more fulfilling than I could have ever imagined.
In the past 12 months I visited 6 states plus Canada to conduct interviews. I met couples who married at 15 and beat all the odds, a homesteader who grew up without running water or electricity, and a farmer who started out picking corn by hand to building his farm into an 800 acre operation now run by his grandkids.
From parents who fought for their child with disabilities to a mother who moved to another county for the love of her life, providing her kids with a dad who showed unconditional love; I have heard stories of first loves and true loves, struggles and triumphs. I have heard tales of stolen cars, castrating sheep, sibling tricks and hiding from the authorities.
One question I am often asked is what have I learned listening to all these stories. There are two that pop out:
First, when looking back, no matter what accomplishments there have been, family tops everything. Pride, love and importance is tied up with the family we have created and fostered.
Second, there is no single path in life. We are conditioned to believe there is one way of doing things, an order to follow in order to be happy and fulfilled. I have come to believe this is inherently false. There is no one path that will make everyone happy and success can and should be defined by things other than money. Accomplishments and success can be measured in love, adventures, stories and the lives we have touched.
I’d be remiss in not acknowledging two of the people I interviewed who have passed on. Marion, a beautiful soul who loved adventure and her family had a zest for life and I feel lucky to have known her. And Dave, a family man who loved without limits, had more stories and laughs than one person should be allowed. I am very grateful that I was able to spend time with and hear stories from a life very well lived.
A huge thank you to all the support in this first year. There have been many lessons learned and I can’t wait to see what year two has in store.
