Growing up in the small town of Angola, New York (population of 2,127), I had never heard about “The Angola Horror,” considered to be one of the worst railroad accidents in19th-century America. No plaques or other memorials honoring the dead were placed at the wreck which occurred just outside the village over 150 years ago. To the best…

It is said that the four things a dying person wants to say to loved ones are: please forgive me, I forgive you, thank you and I love you. This sentiment can also be felt by those left behind as I experienced with my mother’s death last month. I am happy to say she lived her life the way…

(Excerpts from The Jamestown Post Journal article dated May 25, 2016) Kim Rambacher has done his best to look forward the last 15 months, but he has plenty of amazing, inspirational, even miraculous, older memories to share too. Rambacher’s book, “Miracle Marcia,” (Xulon Press), is an inspiration to anyone struggling with cancer, to caregivers, and…

According to the U.S. Veterans Administration, 430 World War II veterans pass away each day. Of course, so many of our country’s “greatest generation” are already gone, leaving the history of their service (and legacy) to be preserved and organized by family members. As a personal historian, I’ve received more than a few inquiries from…

A story card provides a snapshot of a life including personal photos, a description of early years and what best defines a loved one’s life. This serves to recognize a special person, milestone (such as a birthday) or memorialize a wonderful life. Below is a card I created to honor my mother for her 90th birthday. I…