Have you ever discovered an old ancestor’s photograph and wondered — what was that person thinking about?
What was their life like? How did they overcome obstacles?
After unpacking and repacking boxes for our upcoming move, my husband and I came across a number of photographs and an old suffragette card from his grandmother Fanny.
Wow! I was so impressed — Fanny was a suffragette! I never knew that. As I curiously perused photographs that I had never seen before, I thought it would be fun to experiment on a story — and partner with my AI friend, Chat GPT.
Together, we wrote this imaginary letter, based on facts, that Fanny really could have written to her sister, Bessie.
An Imagined Legacy Story In A Letter
(From Fanny (Schaefer) Schwarzbach to Her Sister Bessie)
My Dearest Bessie,
I hope this letter finds you in one of your better moods, perhaps perched near a window with a cigarette in hand, watching the world go by.
I always admired your independence — even if Papa didn’t approve of your beau. I still feel heartbroken that he was killed in that carriage accident.
Truth is, we both lived with more fire in our hearts than many knew what to do with.
I’m writing today not because I’m lonely — though I won’t pretend the nights aren’t long — but because I needed to put these words somewhere. Somewhere safe. Somewhere real.
Raising Harlan and Jerry alone after Louis left hasn’t been easy.
The decision to get a divorce was a hard one. Louis enjoyed traveling out of town as a salesman for a sewing machine company. I didn’t like having him gone so often.
We felt it was best if he went on his own. I didn’t know he’d choose to move to California.
While Louis keeps in touch with the boys from time to time, I know I’ve got to be strong inside myself.
Bessie, I don’t like the feeling of being divorced. Hardly anyone around here is divorced, and I think it’s hard for our boys. I’m doing the best I can, and I think I’ve been learning a lot.
What I’ve Learned As A Single Mother
You know what, Bessie? I’m not letting the status of “single” stop me. I’m telling myself that I can do it… and I do.
The boys need more than food and clothes — they need strength. Steadiness. Someone who believes in their future when their own father is gone.
Do you remember that card I kept from the Woman Suffragette Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska?
“Up with the Petticoats and Down with the Pants!” I can still hear the howls of applause. We meant every word.
And I’ve lived those words every day since — speaking up, showing up, and making sure my voice — and our voices — are never silenced again.
Even now, I find myself surrounded by good women. Strong women. Some widowed, some divorced like me — all of us bound by resilience. And yes, a few kind gentlemen have come calling.
I’ve learned that love doesn’t need a license to matter. And dignity isn’t given — it’s claimed.
We’ve been underestimated all our lives, Bessie. Yet we keep going. You with your books and students. Me with my babies and ballots. Maybe we didn’t get the lives we thought we’d have… but perhaps we’re living the ones history will remember.
So let the men scoff. Let them mock our petticoats or deny our place.
One day, stories like ours will be told — perhaps even from an old photograph, held by a granddaughter or great-niece, who sees not just our faces but our fight.
Write back soon. Or at least send a photo of those nieces of yours who always brighten up the house when you visit. And if you come by this fall — I’ll make your favorite appie pie and cookies.
And we’ll laugh like we used to.
With love always,
Fanny
P.S. Even though I’m keeping my married name, I’ll always stay a Schaefer at heart…
🌿 Reflection
P.S. This fictional letter is inspired by real vintage photos and artifacts passed down through generations.
Fanny Schaefer Schwarzbach, a woman I never met, left behind more than just images. She left behind courage. Resolve. And proof that our stories can live on — even when we’re gone.
📸 What stories live inside your family photos?
💬Have you ever imagined the life behind the smile? The silence?
Let’s preserve those legacies — one story at a time.
P.P.S. Ready to bring more of your stories into the world? Feel free to schedule a complimentary story strategy session at: https://calendly.com/lynnsanders