The end of August is a special time for our family. We celebrate the births of both Dad and Mom. This year, Dad turned 83 and Mom enjoyed her milestone 80th. They didn’t want a lot of fanfare, so we elected to have a simple, family gathering with all their kids, most of their grandkids and their two great grandkids. The celebration was fun and loud and full of love.
Recently, my husband, Howard, shared how odd it is to think about the fact that we get to be a part of our grandchildren’s stories, but we won’t get to be here for their whole story. Their endings will, most likely, be written without us. Howard’s comment made me pause. Have we truly considered that the chapters we write while we’re here are not just our own, but they are also part of other people’s stories?
- “When I was a kid, our family…”
- “My wife always…”
- “One of my fondest memories of my Aunt is…”
- “My dad was at every….”
- “Remember that time we were in the kitchen …”
- “My Grandma’s love was…”
- “I can still hear my Grandpa saying …”
- “I always called my Mom when…”
- “My husband’s greatest passion was…”
- “I once had a boss who…”
- “I had a very dear friend who told me…”
- “I could always count on my sister for…”
- “That time we celebrated Mom and Dad’s birthday was so…
Core memories. We’re helping build them for those around us. We’re creating today what we will be remembered for long after we’re gone. There are no do-overs. We’re not only the main character in our own story, but we’ve got a supporting cast role in others’ stories. What kind of role are we playing? If there was a summary of their life’s book, what would be said about our part in it?
Big questions to think about, for sure, and I’m not certain I know the answers. But, as is often the theme in my blog, it makes me more and more determined to live more thoughtfully – with my family, my friends, my co-workers, even strangers I meet along the way. If I’m going to be a character in someone’s book, I want to be a good one!
So back to the birthday celebration – How truly blessed are we that Dad and Mom are still here and adding to the chapters of our stories? I am well aware that many haven’t been given that gift of time with their parents and grandparents, and I’m so very grateful we have. I don’t take it for granted at all. So, as I get ready for bed after celebrating Mom and Dad with the family I love so dearly, I just want to say, “Thank you, Lord. Thank you for my parents and the blessing they are to me and their grandchildren. Thank you for the story we are still writing together. You, Lord, are the most incredible master author. Amen.”
Faith, Family & Life 