Childhood Stories and Perspectives

Walter and Julia Alston were two parents with two different upbringings—one was from a family of means, and the other was from a family with very little. One was about trying to have success and wealth, and the other was about having nothing, spending and splurging and wasting more than could be grasped. Both Walter and his spouse, Julia, had major flaws. Both were all about him and herself. They had no plans to effectively share between themselves or among their ten children. They were all in it for themselves and not for each other and certainly not for their offspring. Despite their selfishness, they left their children with more than they realized; they left their children a treasure trove of stories—stories that were handed down through several generations from their parents and their parents’ parents. For generations, this had transpired by word of mouth that revealed family history, culture, entertainment, and family accomplishments. These stories brought pride, pleasure, and a sense of direction and well-being to the Alston family. These stories brought assured tangibles that would encourage, empower, teach, and would point the way forward.