Greeted by hugs, lots of 'how are you's, and a few too many sweets, grandparents are there for their families from the beginning. Not only are they a warm presence, but all grandparents' stories are seemingly extraordinary. They are always ready to share their best tales and lessons for the present and future, and they treasure telling us their recollections, handing us an endless amount of mental souvenirs to carry with us forever.
Reflecting on my own story, I smile, thinking that my grandparents are exceptional people, forming the classic family—my grandfather fought in the Royal Navy, working hard for everything he has ever had, all while providing for the family. My grandmother, on the other hand, was and continues to be a nurturer, putting everyone’s needs above her own. When they immigrated to Canada, like many families, they had nothing. No money. No friends. No prospects. Just a dream.
My grandfather started his photography business from scratch knocking on each of his neighbor’s doors, kindly asking if anyone wanted a family portrait done for 20 cents. Building a business from the ground up wasn’t easy, but it is the type of persistence and determination that he has instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Although none of this could be possible without his loving wife, my grandmother. Starting a business isn’t easy, but neither is raising seven children. A mother, caretaker, teacher, nurse, sister, and wife—my grandmother wore many hats and still does at 91.
I treasure the rest of our time together, and I hold on to those special moments—a sly joke from my grandfather and a warm hug from my grandmother—as I continue on my own life’s journey.
They Are Always There For Us
If you are lucky enough to know your grandparents, you know what a privilege it is to listen to stories from grandparents and understand your history—gaining a better understanding of who you are. Grandparents’ stories are fundamental parts of our lives. They won’t live forever, but they will leave a timeless impact on our hearts.
Through thick and thin, grandparents are the shoulders to cry on and the tough love to pull us up from the ground. Once encumbered by daily tasks—making sure the kids got to school, feeding the family, and going to work—they can now sit back and relax. They have the unique opportunity to be your friend and listen to you without judgment.
They Have Lessons To Share
Our grandparents’ stories are sometimes tough. They have lived through depressions, recessions, war, and more, all while working and raising families. Speaking words of wisdom, they speak the truth and give you a lifetime of perspective. They have a different perspective on life that cannot be offered by a parent or a teacher. They can see the whole picture.
Inevitably, they will be out of sight, but will never be out of mind. It may be hard to conceptualize that four people can have such an impact, but we must remember that they are a reflection of their parents and grandparents, just as you are of yours. We cannot know exactly what was taught or the kinds of lives they lived, but when you look inwards at yourself, you will have a glimpse.
OriginStory offers the opportunity to extend this glimpse and preserve these lessons. With OriginStory's services, you will have a digital memoir of your loved one's life story that can be passed down for generations. No longer will future generations wonder what lessons shaped them. They will have access to the stories from grandparents at the touch of their fingertips.
Grandparents are Strong
Their history and lives have created an abundance of strength. Despite tribulations, they have reached triumph. The wisdom they built and acquired throughout their lives is now set aside for the ones they love and wish to protect. Children and grandchildren should take advantage of grandparents telling stories they wish to pass on to their loved ones before their time runs out.
We Can Show Our Appreciation
This experience is rewarding for grandparents; it makes them feel valued and seen. Focusing on sharing their story also allows them to relive important moments from their past and share their wisdom as valued elders. With a lifetime of memories under their belts, it’s only fair of them to bestow their knowledge upon their family, and it’s also rewarding for those who get to listen.
They Connect Us to Our Culture and Tradition
Our grandparents give us an important opportunity and window of insight into the values, practices, and beliefs of our ancestors. They teach us about a way of life that those before us have lived and help us preserve the knowledge of these traditions throughout generations so that they aren’t lost to time and forgotten.
We cherish our grandparents' stories, for now, and we even possibly take advantage that they are there to listen to. But unfortunately, the ones we love will not be here forever. By choosing a memoir service like OriginStory, families can preserve their loved ones’ stories and life lessons in the most authentic and historically factual way.
Takeaway
Our grandparents are a treasure, and like all treasures, it's natural for us to make efforts to preserve their precious nature for as long as we can into the future. You have the opportunity to have a digitalized and professionally created artifact of your grandparents’ life story through OriginStory’s unique services. Contact us today to preserve, with loving detail, the impact your grandparents have had on the lives of you and your family members.
Comments