Today I saw Laura Bush give an interview on television. I always admired her – the way she handled herself as first lady. Her daughters were on with her today, and they are certainly attractive and intelligent women.
Laura has written a memoir about her life and I want to read it. I am not a member of her husband’s party, but Laura seems to be a woman I’d enjoy knowing.
I was impressed when one of her girls said she had been reading the book and sobbed through most of it. She learned much about her grandparents that she did not know and she also learned much about her own mother who had not shared the details of her childhood.
This is why we should write about our lives for our children and grandchildren. We might think they have heard us tell our stories, but many times, the kids aren’t listening as carefully as we think.
Would your children cry if they read in your words what life was like at your house when you were five or ten years old. Would they see the image of you as a little girl or a little boy in clothes you wore back in the fifties or sixties?
If you write the story about an incident that made a big impression on your life and how you raised your kids, would your child cry or smile or have an Aha moment?
Laura Bush caused the death of a good friend in a car accident when she was seventeen. Her parents didn’t let her go to talk with the parents of her friend or even attend the funeral. They wanted to protect her. That event has been on her mind all these years and it had an affect on how she taught her children to face death of a friend or loved one.
All our lifetime experiences affect our future relationships and behaviors. As I have said before, we are a product of what has been written on our walls.
Are you writing about your life for your family? Just write a few pages each day and your family will cherish them when you are no longer here to tell the stories. How have events in your childhood contributed to your method of parenting or grand parenting?
Laura has written a memoir about her life and I want to read it. I am not a member of her husband’s party, but Laura seems to be a woman I’d enjoy knowing.
I was impressed when one of her girls said she had been reading the book and sobbed through most of it. She learned much about her grandparents that she did not know and she also learned much about her own mother who had not shared the details of her childhood.
This is why we should write about our lives for our children and grandchildren. We might think they have heard us tell our stories, but many times, the kids aren’t listening as carefully as we think.
Would your children cry if they read in your words what life was like at your house when you were five or ten years old. Would they see the image of you as a little girl or a little boy in clothes you wore back in the fifties or sixties?
If you write the story about an incident that made a big impression on your life and how you raised your kids, would your child cry or smile or have an Aha moment?
Laura Bush caused the death of a good friend in a car accident when she was seventeen. Her parents didn’t let her go to talk with the parents of her friend or even attend the funeral. They wanted to protect her. That event has been on her mind all these years and it had an affect on how she taught her children to face death of a friend or loved one.
All our lifetime experiences affect our future relationships and behaviors. As I have said before, we are a product of what has been written on our walls.
Are you writing about your life for your family? Just write a few pages each day and your family will cherish them when you are no longer here to tell the stories. How have events in your childhood contributed to your method of parenting or grand parenting?
I saw Laura Bush on Oprah and agree with you. She has a calm confidence that is so appealing. And her daughters seem to be fine young women. You're right, we do need to write our memories for our families. You helped me to find how to do that and I hope to do more in the future. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to read Laura's book, too. I admire anyone honest enough to offer up the truth even when it may paint them in an unflattering light; she seems willing to take her lumps. Family stories that are of no interest during the teen years definitely gain appeal as we age and begin to value "that which is lost." My mother-in-law died this past week and her children were ecstatic to discover a journal tucked away among her things; the random entries about everything from announcements of grandchildren to that day's supper were greeted with much joy.
ReplyDeleteJayne, I am so sorry about your loss and that of your husband. I know you all will miss her. I am happy she left that journal and generations to come will enjoy reading about her life.
ReplyDeleteI have a box of letters that are nearly 100 years old and I love to read them. My father wrote them to my mother when they were very young and just married.
Thanks for commenting, Jayne.