Jackson. They traveled around the country, photographing people, places and events, so that people in future generations can not only read about the history of our great nation, but also see pictures of it as well. This large collection dates back to the beginning of photography in 1830 and goes up to 1864.
Both my father and grandfather died in battle, while trying to help reunite this great nation of ours. Within the next few weeks, I too, will join the fighting. If I do not return, please know that I consider it a great honor, to fight alongside thousands of my fellow soldiers fighting in this great Civil War.
Please share these photographs with the world.
Sincerely,
Daniel Jackson”
Mara helped the others carry the contents of the chest into the living room, where they began looking at the photographs. All of them were labeled with names, dates and places.
The photos were taken all over the country, from the Wild West, to the wagon trains on the Oregon Trail, from Washington D.C., to California. There were photos of the people who helped build our great nation, from railroad workers, to soldiers and sailors, to miners and cowboys. There were photos of early legislators, both local and national. There were photos of big cities and small towns and early Civil War photos.
There were photos of all of the retired U.S. Presidents from John Quincy Adams, to Abraham Lincoln, as well as photos of future presidents Andrew Johnson to William McKinley. There were early photos of the White House and several state capitol buildings, as well as several more historical and famous buildings. There were even rare photos of President Lincoln taken while he was giving the famous Gettysburg Address.
There were group photos of elderly men who had once fought in the Revolutionary War in the 1770’s.Samuel found a few envelopes filled with more family photos of the early Jackson family, from Matthew who lived from 1734 to 1833, to Daniel as a young boy. There were even photos of Daniel’s father and grandfather, before they went to fight in the Civil War.
Because the photos had not been exposed to the elements for over 140 years or so, they were in excellent condition. That evening, as everyone talked about what to do with the collection of photos, which were priceless, Mara sat quietly by herself. Samuel walked up over and sat down beside her on the couch. “Let’s see what Mara thinks?” he said aloud for everyone to hear. “After all, if it weren’t for her, we would never have known about any of the secret rooms or the hidden treasure.”
Everyone waited for Mara to speak. When she finally started talking, Mara was a little nervous. “I know that I am not part of your family, but I think that you should honor Daniel’s wishes, and share the photos with the world. You should open a museum, and display not only the photos of Daniel’s father’s and grandfather’s collections, but those of Daniel and Samuel’s collection as well. Do you realize what you have here? You have a collection of thousands and thousands of photographs spanning 180 years, many of which are one of a kind. They tell the story of our nation’s history. These photos should be preserved and displayed so that future generations can see how our country became such a great nation.”
When Mara had finished speaking, no one said a word. They did not know what to say. Samuel smiled at Mara and said “Mara you are a bright and sweet girl and everything you said is true, except for one thing. You may not be part of our family by birth, but as of this moment, you are part of this family. Feel free to visit us any time you can. You will always be welcome here. I think that your idea for a photographical history museum is an excellent idea. Everybody cheered for Mara, which made Mara start to cry. Scott put his arm around her and held her for a while, until she regained her composure.
When Mara was able to speak again, she thanked Samuel for his kind words and then made another suggestion. “It would be a shame to keep all of those beautiful clothes and uniforms stored away,” she said. “Since you have the photos of your ancestors wearing the clothes, why not have mannequins made with the faces of your ancestors and have them dressed in the clothing and uniforms and medals, and have them displayed in protective cases in the museum as well? Maybe even include some of the antiques too.”Everyone agreed that it was an excellent idea.
After everyone had eaten a late dinner, Mara said that she was tired and decided to turn in for the night.That night, the three ghosts in her dreams visited Mara. Matthew, Thomas and Daniel were all there. Mara spoke to them, telling them that she had carried out their wishes.They still looked sad. Mara asked them why they were still sad. The three spirits remained silent. “How can I communicate with you?” Mara asked them. At that moment, the three all joined hands and then they disappeared.
The next morning at breakfast, Mara informed the family about her latest dream. “I get the distinct impression that they still have something they want to tell you,” Mara said.
“Maybe we could hold a séance,” said Scott.
“Of course” said Mara. That is what they were trying to tell me by holding hands with each other. When they appeared to Brenda and Kenny, and later to me, there was not enough energy to speak to us, but with all of us together, maybe they would finally be able to give us their message.”
Everybody agreed that it was worth a try. Mara sat between Kenny and Brenda, holding hands with each of them, to unite all of their psychic energy. Then, everyone else around the table joined hands to complete the circle. There were no doubters in the room, after everything that had happened over the previous days.
Mara realized that everyone was waiting for her to start the séance. Mara took a deep breath and began speaking; “Thomas, Matthew and Daniel, we know that you have something to tell us. We are not afraid. We welcome you to join us at this time.”
At first, nothing happened, but then, three shadows began to form across the table from Mara. The shadows became clearer and then everybody turned to look at the spirits of three of the Jackson ancestors. Brenda and Kenny recognized them as the ghosts that they had seen in house.
The room became very quiet and Matthew turned to Mara, Kenny and Brenda and spoke to them; “My name is Matthew Jackson. I came to this country in 1740 with my parents. I was six years old at the time. Soon after our arrival, my parents became sick and died, leaving me alone in a strange new world. A family who really did not want me took me in. I grew up and fell in love with a wonderful woman and we married and started a family. My new family was the most important part of my life. Over the generations, the branches of my family have died out. Kenneth and Brenda, the two of you are the last of my descendents. As you grow up and start families of your own, please continue to live and to teach our family values. Learn as much as you can from your parents, as well as the three generations of grandparents. Learn about your family’s traditions, stories and feel the love that has this family so close over the years. Remember, my children, this family has always remained strong because of love, faith, loyalty, companionship and friendship. Pass these principles on to your children and subsequent generations.”
Then, Daniel turned to Samuel and said, “Samuel, I am so proud of the man you have become. We will be together again someday; but not for several years. Teach your family as much as you can about your family history and keep taking photographs. It will keep your mind sharp and clear.”
Then, Matthew spoke once more; “It is now time for us to leave you. You will not see us again, while here on earth, but eventually, we will all be together again, when your days on the earth are done.” Then, the three spirits disappeared.
For a few moments, nobody spoke; then, Samuel walked over to Mara and gave her a great big hug. Mara noticed that there were tears in his eyes.
“Thank you Mara, for everything that you have done for our family. You have reconnected us in so many ways.” Then the rest of the family hugged Mara as well, even Kenny.
The next day was Sunday, and after everybody returned home f
rom church, Samuel set up his camera to take some photos of the Jackson family. When Mara tried to move out of the way, the entire Jackson family insisted that Mara be in the photos, because she had become part of the family.
As Jordan, her parents and Scott and Mara prepared to leave for the airport, everybody told Mara that they wished she could stay longer. As Mara was about to get into the car, Samuel Jackson pulled her aside to talk to her in private. “Mara” he said, “You will never know how much this weekend has meant to me. Thank you for coming. God has truly blessed you with your gift of insight. Embrace it always, and if you ever begin to doubt yourself or your gift, just open your mind and ask God to show you what to do.”
When Mara got into the van, she was crying. She was filled with love, peace and happiness. Scott put his arm around her and she laid her head on his shoulder.
Later, on the plane, Scott told Mara, “Betsy will be so mad when I tell her about this mystery that you solved. It was really wonderful being a part of it.”
Mara was silent for a moment and then she said, “I have no control over my abilities, but I have a strong feeling that there are many more mysteries ahead. Then, Mara closed her eyes and soon fell fast