Lily and John W.

The photo below may not look very interesting at first glance, but in actuality, this was one of the most interesting moments I've ever experienced. Adam is listening to his Great Great Grandparents sing a duet. How cool is that?

Recently I decided to start going through piles of papers and boxes of keepsakes to try to get things a bit more organized around here. While doing this, I uncovered something that Mom gave me a few years ago that I had put away for safe keeping. In 1941, my Great Grandparents recorded themselves singing two duets, and a poetry reading by my Great Grandfather. Mom took care to get it made into a CD for the grandkids and we all have a copy.

As I listened to Lily and John singing "Lightly Row", my mind was racing. The idea that I can actually hear the voices of two people who lived three generations ago is unbelievable to me. As I listened, I imagined what their lives must have been like as they moved their family to the US from England in the early 1900's. Life was simpler then. They didnt check their emails on their iPhone or update their facebook status with their thoughts. They didnt have any reality TV shows, fast-food restaurants or 24 hour fitness centers. They didnt shop online or text their friends.

They sang duets. They harmonized. They smiled.

Somehow, they managed to record themselves singing - which, I can only imagine that in 1941 was no small task. This got me thinking again.... maybe Lily and John would have loved that iPhone - they probably would have videotaped themselves instead. (and posted it to facebook, of course!)

Lily and John W. Carter with their sons, David and Oliver. My best guess is that its taken in 1915 - give or take a year.