For a bit of background, this poem was written in June 2002 when I visited Finland with my mother. I am a first generation American, born to Finnish parents who came to the USA in the 1960s. When I visited, I thought was well prepared for the emotions that I would encounter during my visit. I’m a career missionary and am accustomed to moving between different cultures. And, I was raised by Finnish parents in America, how hard could it be? I learned that I was sorely mistaken when I met family members who I never knew. And I asked them to remember me.
I remembered you
The first time we met
You became familiar to me
When we said,
“Hello, how have you been?”
I didn’t remember you
Until today I met you
My family,
My friend.
I remember your faces
And names
I take you with me
Familiar places unknown
Carried inside me
I will remember you
My family,
My friend.
Remember me
Although we may not meet again
Remember my name
Remember Africa
Where serving the Lord I have been
Please remember me
Your family
Your friend.
Family lines are so important. Have you ever discovered which one of the 12 tribes you descend from?
Family is vital. No I’ve not done a lineage study. It’s been a longstanding desire though!