The Writing Home Project really began when Mom and I met at Grandma’s house and I started asking questions about our family’s history. I’d heard stories about her childhood and my mom’s childhood, but I was curious about generations further back. Grandma brought out two small suitcases that had belonged to her mother. The cases were filled with letters, maps, recipes, genealogical records, and even a lock of hair. I was fascinated; Mom less so. I sifted through the contents, asking Grandma what she could remember about each person, place, and thing. When I packed up the suitcases later in the night, she said, “Take those with you if you think you’ll ever do anything with them.” It’s been over a decade, but I’m finally doing something with them.