Day 311

We did empty and reassemble the shed. I’m glad for her help. She painted the window frames that I’ve been putting off since last summer. Last night was quiet. Usually someone fires off a shotgun and fireworks but if there was noise, I slept through it. Today is the teaching lesson at Tai Chi Chih. Kelle wants to go and I’ll ask Chris too. Hollie is in San Francisco for the luxury New Year’s event at the Fairmont.

January senior news

This is the time of year when we plan new activities. One important and often overlooked opportunity is beginning a personal history. From the beginning of time story telling has been part of the human experience. As our ancestors sat around the fire in the cave, they told of hunts, dangers, and discoveries. They shared the stories to bond as a tribe.

As we put away our holiday decorations, memories emerge. My friend Susanne began saving Christmas tree ornaments in 1975. They commemorate the family gatherings and she can remember who was present, an special anecdote, and other noteworthy moments. Each of her children has ornaments chosen for their interests at different ages. Now her granddaughter, Sophia, is included in these dated keepsakes. Celebrations are part of her family lore and deserve to be retold as the family grows with in-laws and grandchildren. The memories and traditions need to be written and preserved.

Another opportunity for beginning a personal history collection is celebrating birthdays. Each of us has a day that is ours to use as we choose. For me, my birthday is my New Year’s celebration. The day before is my review and a chance to note what I want to do again, or a course correction, or simply gratitude for another year of living. On my day, I write hopes and dreams for the new year and think back over all the birthdays that I can remember. One of my friends, Kay, lives her birthday the way she wants to live all the days to come: she is mindful, eats well, exercises, makes contacts with loved ones, and paints her toenails. Other friends have their own ritual celebrations of life. Each person has a perfect opportunity to record their memories from their own pleasure and to share with family and friends.

Wedding anniversaries are personal dates on the calendar. Over the years the celebrations had moments of joy and memories of the first years and the growing families and career changes. Later there are the special years like a Silver or Golden anniversaries with gatherings that include the newer members of the family. Wedding albums are a place to begin writing the stories of a couple’s history as they grow together. There are bound to be other photographs that can go with the stories especially the funny ones. Nothing binds a family together like sharing the stories of the journey through life. Our stories deserve to be documented.