I was just four years old when the men from my father's birth family gathered for a four generations photograph.  I'm standing in front of my Great-Grandfather, William May.  My Father, Bob is behind him and to the left. And my Grandfather, Fred is to my Dad's right.

A more formal photograph, for inclusion in the Erie Daily Times newspaper, had been taken that same week.  In that photograph we are all wearing our Sunday-best suits.  It turned out well, but it isn't how we normally looked or dressed.  That is why I prefer the more informal pose of this photo.  

I don't have any memory of this photograph being taken.  But, it is one of the most important photos in my personal collection.  Other than the more formal photo mentioned above, this is the only photograph that I have in which all four May men (well, I was just a boy then) appear together.  

By the time that I was old enough to remember things better, my Great-Grandfather had already died.  And now, 45 years after the photograph was taken, I am the only one still living on this earth.  My Grandfather died 20 years ago, and my father died 10 years ago. 

I'm thankful that I have a son, Jonathan who will carry the May name after I am gone.  I hope that someday I will appear in a photograph with my him, my grandson, and my great-grandson and have another 4 generations photo taken.  But, because I started a little later in life with having children, I may not live long enough for that dream to become reality.     

So, this photograph may be the only 4 generations one that I will ever be included in.  It is my conection to the stories of 3 other generations of May's that preceded me.  And for that reason, it is a priceless piece of my personal heritage!