Friday, March 27, 2009

Reflections

When my mom was older, she liked to talk about when she was younger. I loved listening to her stories. Then it dawned on me....when mom is gone...am I going to remember these awesome stories so I can pass them on to my kids? Probably not. I thought how cool it would be to have her record them.

I asked her one day how she would feel about doing that, and she liked the idea. She started to write down some things she would want to talk about on the tapes, but we never got around to doing any recording. I wish we had.

My daughter Tresa gave me a book a number of years ago called, "Reflections From a Mother's Heart". It's to write your life story with a different topic on each page. I have never written in it. I always wondered if it would make me sad, would I be able to be honest, would it be a constant reminder that I am getting older?

We have a video that our kids had made for us for our 25th wedding anniversary. It's a montage of photos with music that takes you through our lives. I have watched it a few times since we got it back in 1997. It's hard watching your life fly by in 20 minutes!

How do you feel about those kinds of things? Do you journal about your life?

I actually pulled that book out that Tresa gave me and I think I am going to start writing in it. I think I will start with easy things like, "Have you ever had a surgery?" or "Share one of your mother's favorite recipes." Then once I am comfortable with it, I'll try pages like family tragedies and the hardest thing you ever had to do....

I know that one day my kids will really appreciate being able to read about the little things that made me who I am today....that quirky lady they call "mom".

I am a firm believer in living a positive and gentle life. I do my best to make other people happy and in turn it makes me happy. I believe we reap what we sow. I am rarely in a foul mood, and I think it's because I just don't allow it. Life is too short, and that isn't how I want to spend my time.

Life's journey.....how will you share yours?

5 comments:

Angela said...

Even though I haven't been blogging for even a year yet, I know I will look back on it in the future.

That is why I sometimes share personal things on my blog...also lots of mundane things.

I was wondering just the other day when I got my hair cut last. I remembered mentioning it on my blog...I looked back and knew it would soon be time for another trip to the salon. So, I guess I am using my blog as a type of history and a reminder for myself too.

LiPeony said...

What's that phrase.. life is like a blank book and every day is a fresh page to write on? Maybe I'm making that up but I've recorded my life in many mediums from drawings, poems, stories, blogs. That book your daughter gave you reminds me a lot of one of my favorite set of books "Little House on the Prairie" where she at the age of around 65 recorded everything she's ever experienced over many volumes. I loved those books most of it was happy but she does include key important things of her life that was sad but after reading them I always think wow she was a really strong person. Anyways going off track... I think it's great you decided to write in it.

Lanyardlady said...

Gosh, I'm writing about shaking my booty with the Eagles and you're writing about heavy stuff! I think the journal is a wonderful idea but not sure I would be prepared to do it yet. Acknowledging that it will be how people remember me would be comforting and yet difficult. I like your plan to start with small things. You are a talented writer and your life story will be a great read. Good luck!

Baroness Bijoutery said...

I think the book is a fantastic idea. My daughter and I are so close that sometimes I think she knows my life better than I do. Everything I endured in my childhood and again when I was married to my ex helped make me who I am today. She already knows all the bad and good of my life. I have also written her a letter for when I am no longer here. A few years ago I had a really bad time and I wanted her to know just how much she means to me. It start from her birth and goes forward. Right now the letter is a small book..I keep adding to it and will till I no longer can. I never want her or my husband to have any doubts about how much they mean to me and how rich and beautiful they have made my life.
Okay enough..so yes fill out the book let them know about the you that made you you...

TERI REES WANG said...

I like the idea of making quick posts on index cards. Sometimes it's just a cute comment some little kid makes out of context or an expression or reaction that was only shared in the moment. This could be a great Family History game. Cards of remember when...

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