The Everlasting Connection between Generations

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The bond that exists among different generations is a permanent relation that can’t ever be destroyed. There is a certain metaphysical connection that holds us all together. Our past ancestors greatly determine our personalities, appearances, opinions; they influence our very existence. Some people feel very proud of their culture and ancestors, while others are ashamed of past generations and try to hide their relation with them. However, the connectivity between all generations remains the same for all, because the people before us shape our world and who we are. From older generations we learn the most important things in life, like the true value of family. This strong relation between generations is displayed in “The Treasure of Lemon Brown” by Walter Dean Myers and “The Medicine Bag” by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve. Both stories have central characters that initially reject their relatives because they are ashamed or upset with them only to discover how vital their relations with them actually are. Many things bring us closer to previous and future generations, such as lessons and memories.
Lessons given by one generation to the next are a huge factor in connecting generations. Lessons are what shape our thoughts and opinions. As Margaret Thatcher said, “Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become.” In other words, the lessons passed on from generation to generation often determine who we are. In “The Medicine Bag” Martin is initially embarrassed by his grandfather. When his grandpa pays him family a visit, Martin ...

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...Lemon Brown’s memories of his son and of his harmonica that he shares with Greg connect multiple generations. Also, after he heard about Lemon Brown’s memories Greg’s perspective about his father changes. Memories bring both Martin and Greg closer to previous generations, and they bring the past and present together.
There is and always will be a connection between generations, and it can never be broken. The lessons given by past relatives will always influence our ideas, actions, and history. Ultimately, they will impact future generations as well. Memories will always serve as a bridge between the past and present. Shared memories ensure that the past is never forgotten, and that the past is always a part of our lives in the present. The lessons and memories passed on from generation to generation permanently connect all past, present, and future generations.

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