In going through my family tree, I discovered that my family has been done wrong. It happened over 300 years ago, but I still I think I’m owed an apology.

I’m sure it started with the best of intentions, but it ended as a witch hunt, and I’m not speaking metaphorically.

On July 26, 1692, my 9th Great Grand Mother, Mary Bradbury, was charged with, and I quote:  “Certaine Detestable arts called Witchcraft & Sorceries (which) were Wickedly Mallitiously and felloniously practiced. . .”

Over 100 of her fellow citizens were called as character witnesses and her pastor testified that Mary was “full of works of charity & mercy to the sick & poor.”

But it wasn’t enough, when the trial was over Gram was sentenced to hang, and she only escaped when friends orchestrated a jailbreak.

Historians blame what happened on a host of personal grudges which made her the scapegoat of a family feud.

Do I really think that the present-day residents of Salem owe me an apology for what their ancestors did to my 9th Great Grand Mother?  No, not any more than I believe that my descendants will be responsible for what I do today.  But, I do believe that I am responsible for what I do today.

Have a great week and remember: To see what is really possible, you will have to attempt the impossible.