I've been back in Chandler for a week, yet I still have the glow of my trip to Casper. I have a lot of work I need to do, but instead of focusing on my work all weekend, I created a phenomenal dinner last night. The four course meal was tailored to please the appetite of vegetarians and vegans, so there was a good deal of planning required. While the food exceeded expectations, the meal was overshadowed by a wonderful conversation where everyone shares and you learn something you never knew about the participants.
One friend shared some Sicilian family history which ironically mirrored stereotypes of an Italian family. This individual is quite a far cry from those realities, yet the history stirred memories and events long forgotten. These memories generated more stories until my daughter shared some of her recollections of visiting her grandparents in Wisconsin.
Her detailed memories included aromas and how the house looked to her as a small child were incredibly fun to hear. Children see life differently because their priorities to do match adult priorities. And, thank goodness! She helped me to remember much I have stored away but have not recorded. Which brings up my point for today.
My daughter is only sixteen but she needs to write down these thoughts and memories. Her grandfather has been gone for six years, yet the ten years she knew him can fade fast. What I heard last night needs to be captured so she can readily share these stories with her children and grandchildren. Writing her stories will make it that much more memorable and embedded in her mind. I will continue to encourage her to do so, in between homework, tennis and the other activities that occupy her.
I might even become a pest, nagging her to do so. And, if she doesn't, I will continue to create phenomenal meals as a bribe to hear more memories until she succumbs and records her history on her own.
One friend shared some Sicilian family history which ironically mirrored stereotypes of an Italian family. This individual is quite a far cry from those realities, yet the history stirred memories and events long forgotten. These memories generated more stories until my daughter shared some of her recollections of visiting her grandparents in Wisconsin.
Her detailed memories included aromas and how the house looked to her as a small child were incredibly fun to hear. Children see life differently because their priorities to do match adult priorities. And, thank goodness! She helped me to remember much I have stored away but have not recorded. Which brings up my point for today.
My daughter is only sixteen but she needs to write down these thoughts and memories. Her grandfather has been gone for six years, yet the ten years she knew him can fade fast. What I heard last night needs to be captured so she can readily share these stories with her children and grandchildren. Writing her stories will make it that much more memorable and embedded in her mind. I will continue to encourage her to do so, in between homework, tennis and the other activities that occupy her.
I might even become a pest, nagging her to do so. And, if she doesn't, I will continue to create phenomenal meals as a bribe to hear more memories until she succumbs and records her history on her own.
2 comments:
It sounds like a good time was had by all and I am sure the food was absolutely incredible. Good food around a table always seem to spur good thoughts and conviviality amongst people. But do watch out for the Sicilian person. Speaking from experience, he/she may seem far removed from those realities but under the surface who knows what lurks ready to spew forth like Etna erupting!
And tell your daughter to write everything down or I might start nagging her!!!
I always think of Irish Springs when I think of the house in Sheboygan.
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