My life has been influenced by stories.
My Mother told stories. As we drove she would point out family homesteads, neighbors, culture and history. We teased her pretty mercilessly. "Mom, is that a Swedish or German barn? She has a sense of wonder about those who were before her. She loves to tell stories about our family and after she came close to death a few years ago she has ramped that up! I'm proud of her and I understand her more and more.
She took us to the cemeteries where she pointed out ancestors and link us to the past and we visited every museum and antique mall we drove by!
Then David and I entwined our life's story and his became mine and mine his.
My Mom made sure we knew the history and respected Dad's family and I made them my own. Then I met my birth Dad and his beautiful wife and those stories filled my heart. David's Dad and Mom has become mine through the stories, hopes and fears of their hearts.
Another influence was the nursing home. Mom worked early hours and I hung out there when she was young. The old farmers were still up with the birds and would tell me stories I worked at nursing homes through High School and College. Listening to their stories and watching the fire in the eyes inspired me.
Those older people in the church and the community have amazing insight and history. The first thing we did coming to a new area was listen to their stories. Ask about the beginnings, the histories and the stories. These have become part of us. The good, the hardships, the trauma and the perseverance paints an amazing picture.
If we listen, truly listen throughout the day and to the people their stories will inspire and make us bigger then ourselves.
The homeless man that I sat beside and asked about his life taught me much about grace.
The Moms, Dads, Grandparents and children inspire me with their visions, dreams and joys for their families.
My biggest lessons and joy has come from listening to my children's stories. I sat in rapt attention when Josh told about the castles/forts he was creating or Michael wrote his book about horses and cowboys or Caleb's narration and chattering about history and the events of the day.
Today, when they are in a talkative mood I drop everything if I can to listen to their stories. Their dreams. Their wishes and their hopes. I love hearing about their friends, school and work. I can never hear enough.
Today...I'll be working at the lake...and listening to stories.
Please take the time this weekend to listen to the stories of those around you. Tell the stories and remembrances of family. To celebrate our men and women who have served and serve our countries today.
To Remember.
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