This week’s theme is “Loss.” Loss is universal. There are many ways to explore this theme, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a livelihood, freedom, or even the loss of records where an ancestor lived.
Looking back over research I’ve done in recent years, one of the most compelling stories of “loss” relates to Joel Fritjof Hultman, the brother of my 2x-great-grandmother Lisa Stina Hultman. Known later in life as Joseph, he lost his eyesight to some unspecified disease as a child or teenager. He then lost his life due to injuries received in a kitchen fire in his home.
In between these two tragedies, he lived a full life! He farmed, he traveled, and he served in community organizations. For more about Joseph’s remarkable life, read this post from 2017.
What an amazing man! I would have loved to farm with him. I still cant imagine farming while blind. And I’ve been thinking about it for awhile.
What a tragic ending for him. He must have been terrified.