(Originally Written February 20, 2026)
In all honesty, most of my favorite possessions aren’t worth much on the surface. I value sentimentality, nostalgia, and family connections. One of my prized possessions is actually a framed copy of Grandma Reid’s senior picture. More than anything, as someone interested in genealogy, I love the story behind it.
Let me set the stage: First, Grandma and I were always close. I’m not exactly sure why; we just were. We were always going somewhere. She took my siblings, cousins, friends, and I on all sorts of adventures, and I’ve always cherished those times. I am so grateful that she was such a huge part of my childhood, and quite frankly, along with my parents, one of my first teachers.
Coincidentally, one of my dad’s first cousins, Lugene, became obsessed with genealogy. In fact, it rubbed off on me. Thanks to Lugene, I know so much about the Suszko side of my dad’s family, Grandma Reid’s family of origin. Whenever I had a genealogical question, I called Lugene. We even served on the board for the Huron Shores Genealogy Society together for several years.
I’m not exactly sure when it happened, but once Grandma’s older sister Kay (Polenz) passed away, Lugene obtained a pristine copy of Grandma’s senior portrait. It looks brand new, even though it dates to 1941 or 1942. It even has a 1940s, artdeco-esque frame. Well, Lugene felt that I should be its rightful owner. She gave me that framed portrait, which I cherish. It now sits in my curio cabinet with a vintage methods textbook and figurine of a small girl bundled up for winter waiting at a school bus stop, both given to me by my sister Erica, a fellow teacher. It is fitting considering my grandmother’s love of school; even in her last days, her school stories remained. I like to think that she’d love the fact that I now teach virtually from her home.
Sadly, Lugene passed away in September 2016, while Grandma Reid passed away in January of 2017. They were two of my absolute favorite people, and now I own one simple item that will always hold memories of them both.
Ramblings of a Misguided Blonde 
Lindsey:
I write a column for Up North Voice called Roots and Remnants and would like permission to use your story. I can see why Lugene gave you the picture, you are the spitting image of your grandmother, and I am sure she was proud of the lovely woman you have become. I did not know that you and Lugene were related. I was blessed with knowing her and we even worked together on a couple of genealogy projects. She is one of those people I was blessed to know and will always be in my memory box. You are really becoming a good writer and reading this “rambling” reminded of a plaque that was given me years ago by a friend. It was a small blackboard with an apple on it and said, “To teach is to touch a life forever”. You are following in the footsteps of your grandmother, and I have no doubt you will touch the lives of your students, just as she has touched yours. Have a blessed day. Love Donnie
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Hi Donnie!
It is always wonderful to hear from you! Yes, absolutely you may use my story. It is funny to me that you think I look like my grandmother. I see it, in a sense, but I think I look even more like her mother. In fact, my grandmother told me that herself once she received a restored wedding photo of her parents. She kept looking at me and then the photo! I am sure that it helped that I was the same age as my great-grandmother in her wedding portrait – 19!
As for Lugene, she actually introduced my parents. She was my dad’s first cousin, and she knew my mom from school (my mom is a few years younger). I very well may not be here if it weren’t for Lugene introducing my parents!
You kind words always keep my going! I need to write more about genealogy! Fun fact: one of my high school students in my creative writing club adores genealogy. She’s always telling me about her latest discovery!
Take care. I will be in touch soon!
Lindsey
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By the way, there are other things I can share for your article. There are so many details!
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