Sheltering in the Forest Overnight

Family Stories

The story of the time my great-grandfather got lost in the woods is one that has been told and retold in my family for years. He went out for a walk and was lost for 2 days, and everyone in the house and other houses became worried, fearing the worst. He had simply gotten tired, taken a nap, dozed till dark, and then hunkered down over night because he could not find his way out. Eventually, it was the dogs that found him first, later the next day, after the sun had already set, and my great-grandfather had still not found his way out, but had managed to create a shelter for himself, figuring he might as well be comfortable while he was lost.

It always brings to mind different things for different people. But everyone loves to hear it told again and again, especially whenever there are family get-togethers. It seems that we are always hearing new aspects of the story each time. For some, it is a funny story about a man who got turned around and couldn\\\\\\\'t find his way home (his children tend to draw this meaning). For others, it is a story about the strength of family and how they came together to help one another (the adults all tend to hold this view). And for still others (like little children hearing the story for the first time), it is a reminder of the dangers of venturing into the woods without being properly prepared. Regardless, no matter what meaning people take from the story, it remains an important part of our family history.