Analysis Paper

Cultural Artifact Analysis

A family is the backbone to life. The support to your actions, the wheels to your car, and even the jam to your toast. Over the course of searching and developing a deeper understanding of my family and how we came to be the people we are today, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Whether it was the Gudmundsons’ who immigrated from Denmark or the Sorias’ from Spain they all have stories and choices they made that influenced the actions of others in future generations that came after them.

            The idea of family is a group of people that are linked by an invisible chain of love, respect, equality, understanding, and forgiveness. At times this link ripples through hard times and trials, but is mended through compassion and help from the other members. Family is not only a central system of people, but in fact a support group that loves you even when you do make mistakes. The people who pick you back up even at your lowest points. Although some families may not be the traditional cookie cutter type, I know mine especially isn’t. There were some divorces along the way, adoptions, and some incest in a roundabout way. For example, in the family tree chart it is thoroughly displayed that my grandma Bonnie married her cousin which blew me back by surprise. Although I did further find out that she was adopted which clarified some minor details up. This adoption also played an important part into the adoption of my mother as well which was an interesting factor. Overall no matter what a family is made up of whether it is people that are blood related or not. It is the people in your life that help you become a better you.

            The major thing that I came to understand about my family through all of the artifacts that I found was how close we really are. For example, in the artifact that displays the description about how my grandma Bonnie hand makes afghans for every member in my family when they are a baby, going off to college, and then again when they get married just shows the love and connection that we have together. Or perhaps the vacations that we take as a family to Florida with my dad’s side of the family that soon became a family tradition. It is events and gifts such as these that display the closeness and love that we have for each other. In fact, it is more so the stories that come with these events that are embedded into our heads. The memories.

            Looking back over the generations in my family there have been several trials that members have had to endure. For example, with my dad’s side of the family there have been countless occasions of discrimination because of the Hispanic heritage on that side. As for my mom’s side being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was no easy task for my ancestors especially when the church wasn’t as excepted as it is today. Other trials that were faced would definitely be death. My grandma Bonnie became a widow at a very young age due to the tragic airplane accident that my grandpa Niel and Uncle Michael experienced. These trials were not always rainbows and butterflies, in fact they were filled heartache and countless tears. Although, through the support of other members of the family these individuals survived and pressed on with their lives. For those who suffered from discrimination they either stuck it out or when in a life threatening situation packed their bags and moved west. Either way they stood their ground and stood for what they believed in and represented their ancestors well.

            Based upon the generations that came before me I believe that it will heavily affect my future family as well as generations that follow. For example, the decision to come out west impacts why my family is still here. In other words, the fact that my family came out west will further determine why I stay in the west because all of my family is here. Also I come from families that are larger in numbers and I have always loved the idea of having a big family so that also plays a key role. Another key element that will play a significant role in my future family will be my religion and the standards that I live.

            By looking back in history I have come to better understand why my family is the way that it is. The stories that were made, the traditions that were started, and the people that made courageous decisions all impacted why I am the person that I am today as well as the others around me. It is fascinating to see what makes up a family and why these elements matter so much. A family is a connected inner circle that stands unwavering through the strongest storms. An enduring love that stands through the tests of time. I know that in all things my family is the center of my life.