Mighty oaks stood guard at my country school, deeply rooted from the time before people began landing at Plymouth Rock. Their pungent perfume invited me to come and play. Their presence did not vary except in fall when their leaves turned brown and fell to the ground. They stood as strong as a bull and as independent as a Scotsman unaffected by the winds of circumstance. Such were our ancestors: the Olsons, Krugers, Matthews, Hamlins, and Mortons. Each family came from similar backgrounds, but experienced life in different ways. These stories form a symbolic tapestry and create a record of our existence. Everyone may have similar experiences but none the same because we are unique individuals. These stories are important for future generations to ponder a time past and reflect on why we are who we are. Vladimir Nabokov wrote, "Important if for no other reason, than these tales will be lost if not recorded."