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  • (Trigger Warning: Suicide) Forgive the lengthy post, but this is something I want to put out because of how important it is to me. While in France in July '18, I visited the Suresnes American Cemetery as part of the research trip I was on. The cemetery is the final resting spot for American men and women who served in the #FWW. Among those buried are Dorothea and Gladys Cromwell, two twins from America who were ranked among the Rockefeller's during the 1900s. They were socialites, and they volunteered with the American Red Cross when the US went to war in 1918 as their bit in the war effort. The two were stationed in canteens and hospitals on the front. They witnessed things that I cannot even imagine, even with all the research and places I have done and visited. In January 1919, after the Great War came to an end, they were on they boarded a ship back to the United States. However, on 19th of January (100 years ago today), the twins walked down the deck arm in arm, and when reaching the rail of the ship, jumped overboard. According to newspaper reports, the twins had left notes stating they wanted to "end it all" and could not handle what they had seen in their time in the war. While their deaths tell an important part of the war and its impact on men and women; but it is also important to remember their part not only at the end of the war, but during it. For me, these two women forever changed my research, but they have also forever changed me as a person. Some may say to be so invested in my work on a personal level is not a "good" thing, but I don't think I would pursue this if it didn't. But while at the Suresnes American Cemetery, I found the twins buried side by side and paid my respects. It was a surreal and emotional moment, but one I am glad I was able to have. It aided in that personal connection I feel with my research and bringing it beyond research and to a human level. I am not saying you have to physically know or visit your research to have that connection, and I know I am beyond privileged to have had the experiences I have had. For me though, it changed a lot of things in my life and I am thankful for that. (Continue in comments...)
  • Found this picture the other day and shared it on Twitter, but also wanted to put it out into the world here as well. This is me and my buddy Gizmo from several years ago. Giz was my best friend. He brought so much joy to my life and I hope I brought just as much to his. I miss him every day. This picture really just makes me smile, so I wanted to share it.