What would I say?

I thought about sending my grandfather an email. I just don't know what I'd say. What do you say to someone born in 1871?

 

You must have a reason for wanting to send him a message. What is the reason? Talk about that.

 

He's about 140...!?

Uhh, i'd probably ask for his GP's number

 

So what would you say to someone born in 1971? Your grandfather's age isn't necessarily the most relevant fact about him. What was your relationship with him like? What kind of man was he? What was he interested in? What characteristics do you share with him? Real communication happens when you open your heart and expose your true self.

And I realize it's none of my business, but do you communicate with living members of your family too?

 

But Granny, he died before I was born. I have no idea what I could learn from him. I would want to know about the catholic parish he grew up in and if he was a victim of child sex abuse. I suspect that. I'd also want to know what it was like to come over during the potato famine, as his father did, as his wife did

 

You didn't make that clear in your original post.

Well, there you go. You've got plenty of things to say to him.

 

I'm sure other members of your family could provide you with some of the details, and the more general stuff like the arrival of the Irish is well documented. You've obviously got Internet access so use it! Good luck! I'm a bit worried about why you suspect he was a victim of abuse perpetrated by the good catholic priests. Man, you've got the makings of a book there not an E-mail!