“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day, saying, “I will try again tomorrow.””
~ Mary Anne Radmacher ~
Spotlight
Jack's life consisted of new schools, in new towns, with the same old problems. The pattern continued until he saw Ana deep in the woods. Through Ana, Jack developed a keen interest in learning who he was and where he came from, his ancestors. "The best way to learn about your ancestors is to put yourself in the same environment they were in. It isn't enough to know what they did. If you really want to know them, you need to learn about what shaped them into who they were." Those were Ana's words. Her death left Jack with the realization that he knew little of this amazing woman who was his adopted mother. The first step of Jack's quest takes him to the last place she visited before his adoption, the island of Haiti. New friends, unexpected events, and the island itself give Jack a greater understanding of Ana and ultimately himself. Come with Jack as he begins his Journey.
|
Excerpt
Ana was quiet for a full minute. “Among our ancestors, rather prominently among our ancestors, there are a few pirates.”
I was fascinated. “Was Blackbeard our ancestor?” I asked.
“No, no, we aren’t related to Blackbeard. We just happened to be at a famous spot where he raided, but our ancestor was here during the same general time period. His name was Miguel. Miguel Henriquez.”
“Tell me about him?” I couldn’t wait to hear the story.
Ana smiled at me. “Not just yet, there is older family history to go through first. It’s best if we do it in order. I will tell you all about Miguel when we get to him.”
A thought suddenly occurred to me. “Miguel… is that why my middle name is Miguel?”
Ana nodded. “It has been a tradition for many generations. The middle name of the firstborn male in our family has been Miguel for nearly 300 years. He may have been a pirate, but he was very important to the family, and is even to this day.”