The Importance of Sharing Memories

Senior Thursday

How many times have you heard from surviving children after their parents have died that they wished they would have learned more about their heritage?  Too often, we are so absorbed in our own lives, that we don't take the time to learn about theirs.  And when they are gone, it's too late.

It is important to talk to your parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles now.  At your next family gathering, ask them about their childhoods. 

Here are some questions to ask to start the discussion:

SCHOOL/EDUCATION

·         How many children were in their classes at school?

·         How large was their graduating class? 

·         How many years of schooling did they have?

·         What was their favorite subject?

·         Which teacher made the biggest impression on them?

FAMILY

·         How large was their family?

·         Were they the oldest/youngest?

·         Where did they grow up?

·         How big was their home?

ENTERTAINMENT

·         How did they celebrate birthdays?

·         Did they go on family vacations?  If so, where and when?

·         What did they do for fun on Saturday evenings?

·         How much did admission to a baseball game cost?

This is just the beginning of wonderful stories and wonderful conversations.  But don't stop there.  Write down what they tell you.  Keep these notes in a journal or transfer them to your computer.  You'll have those memories forever.