I first wrote in this space only a warning
that “This work may be somewhat boring initially, but it gets worse,” because I
realized that recounting one’s life story can produce dull and boring reading
material, even if the person who lived that life doesn’t feel his existence has
been dull.
Fearing such negativity might scare off all
readers, I’m expanding the message to state that even though segments of this
work may be dull and boring, I’ve tried to “spice up” the reading by inserting
humorous or interesting thoughts and anecdotes as they came to mind. Even so, it is written, and reads, like a
dissertation, not a novel.
Nevertheless, I encourage readers,
particularly my direct descendants, to plow through the material to determine
whether questions I might be able to answer should be asked before it is too
late, for I’ve realized while recording these memories that I should have asked
many questions of my elders when I had the opportunity, but didn’t think to do
so. Too often I’ve had to write
something like, “I wish I’d thought to ask about (a particular matter) while
those who could have provided the answer were still alive.”
I’ve also wished I’d recorded more of my
peregrinations as they occurred, thus providing reference material; I’ve had to
rely on memory for many of the events I’ve recorded, only to find I’ve
forgotten details I’d thought unforgettable.
Nevertheless, I hope I’ve remembered enough to interest you mildly.
Ken Miller
Little
Rock, Arkansas