Lessons From the Past: Overcoming Barriers Across Generations
“Life by Design”
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Barriers are a part of life. No matter where we fall on the timeline of history, they challenge, refine us, and ultimately shape who we are.
I recently found myself staring at a photo of my dad sitting on my kitchen shelf. Born in 1921, his life was filled with unimaginable trials and was marked by incredible strength. Reflecting on his story, I realized today's barriers may look different, but their essence remains the same. How we respond to them is what defines us. Trammell-24
My Father's Story
My dad's life is one of resilience- he was born premature, so small he was carried in a cigar box. At the tender age of three, he lost his mother and was abandoned by his alcoholic father. By four, his maternal grandmother passed away, leaving him with no immediate family. Sent by train at age four to live with paternal grandparents he had never met, he entered a life of profound loneliness and uncertainty.
His grandparents, already elderly and having raised seven sons of their own, did what they could, but life on the farm was hard—the era of the Great Depression when poverty and hardship shaped every aspect of daily life. My father learned to plow fields with a mule at a young age and worked long hours to help his grandparents survive. With no brothers or sisters to share, his childhood was marked by isolation, with little time for play or carefree moments.
At 11, he survived a ruptured appendix, a condition that was often fatal at the time. By 19, he had no family to lean on, navigating adulthood alone. Despite the endless hardships, he found ways to persevere. Like many people from his generation, he didn’t have much material wealth but was rich in his drive to build a better life.
Timeless Barriers
As I reflect on my challenges, I couldn't help but compare them to the ones my father faced. Though the details differ, the barriers are strikingly similar, and the lessons remain timeless:
1. Fear: Courage
2. Lack: Resourcefulness
3. Loss: Resilience
4. Uncertainty: Faith
5. Isolation: Connection
6. Hardship: Perseverance
7. Change: Adaptability
The Gifts of Our Ancestors
Looking at his photo, I shifted from dwelling on his trials to celebrating his success. My father did not just endure his barriers—he transformed them into building blocks for his desired life. He was an incredible person and father.
He lived an entirely love-filled life, always putting others first. He was the most determined person I’ve ever known.
Our ancestors left us more than just stories—they left us with valuable lessons. Their courage, resilience, and creativity remind us of the strength in our roots. When we face challenges, we can look to their example and know we have what it takes to overcome and grow.
"Barriers can stop you or shape you—the choice is yours. Every challenge holds a lesson, and every step forward builds your dream. Stay positive and remember: your energy + action bring your ideas to life."
With Purpose and Positivity,
Mollie
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