Recording family history is a more powerful gift than Forget-Me-Not flowers
September 13th is National Grandparents Day. Sending grandparents, Forget-Me-Nots, the official flower of the day of observance is lovely, but there is a far more memorable way to honor your elders.
Grandparents Day was made an official day of observance by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. A woman named Marian McQuade, often credited for spearheading the day, worked hard to educate people about the important contributions of senior citizens. Michael Goldgar, another person responsible for the day spent $11000 lobbying Washington for the day as a way of honoring his aunt in a nursing home.
Most people observe the day with a card, flowers, or gift. Some schools invite grandparents to join their student for the day. But there is an even more powerful way to reflect on the impact our loved ones have had on ourselves and society – one which Ms McQuade and Mr. Goldgar would no doubt approve. Let your grandparents know how much you value them by recording their life history.
There's so much to discover. They can teach you the direct impact historical events had on them and your entire family. Maybe you’ll learn where that stubborn streak or practical joker in you came from. Learn about your ancestors’ challenges and accomplishments, happy and sad moments, little things like a family recipe, and most importantly their life philosophies and wisdom.
Get a recorder and sit down in a relaxing room and just start an inquisitive conversation based on some questions you’ve prepared. You’ll be surprised at where the conversation takes you. Then take the tapes, transcribe them, and edit them into a book. The pride and excitement in your grandparents’
Not sure you can follow through with the task? Commission a writer and oral historian like Wendy Goldband of Family Heirloom Books. She creates beautiful coffee table heirloom books. Photos, historical research, and professional editing and rewriting are all included. Learn more in her e-brochure and website at http://family-
Below are links to a few grandparent tributes found on YouTube. Why wait till they’re gone? Sit down and record your grandparents’
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Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
