Narrative Essay About My Family

I interviewed my seventy-five year old grandpa Donnie, researched the Voyles lineage book that my grandma Arlene helped compile, and talked with my dad in order to find out more about my family’s history. According to Grandpa Donnie, it all began in 1759 when Jacob Voils, his wife, and his four sons landed in Port Charleston from Wales. Jacob was a poor man and could not afford the family’s way to Charleston. Desperate, he made a deal with the ship’s captain to indenture his oldest son William Voils as a crew hand for four years in exchange for the family’s way. Upon regaining his freedom, William furiously changed the spelling of his last name to Voyles to break all ties from his father Jacob. Since then, William Voyles’ descendants have spread throughout the Midwest and West. Since William, the Voyles family became rich in Native American heritage. According to my grandpa, our Native American ancestry goes back generations …show more content…
My family is small compared to some, but the love is unmistakable. Holidays are my favorite time of year because my whole family gets together. Every Christmas, I bake with both of my Grandmas, my aunts, and my mom. My grandma Arlene and my grandma Jeania have “super-secret” recipes that they will only share with each other. Including Grandma Jeania’s Ginnie’s spaghetti that my Florida family begs for when they come to visit. The men of the family also have traditions. My grandpa Donnie retired from Ford Motor Company, my dad and uncle Jason currently work there. Along with their careers, they all have a passion for tinkering. Whether it’s an old motorcycle my dad found for a steal or my grandpa’s ’49 Ford pickup, they all love to get their hands covered in grease. My brother Noah has recently acquired this hobby as well. I think one truly unique thing about my family is shared traditions. My family doesn’t necessarily feel like it is split into two sides, family is just