A Time for Celebration and Memories
Are memories important? You bet they are!
When friends and family gather, we share our stories, remember those who are no longer with us and make more memories. Memories bring us to where we are, can influence who we become, and give us opportunities to share our wisdom and history. Family traditions that connect generations are repeated and sometimes we create new ones.
Genealogy is fascinating, but seldom gives us the opportunity to learn about the talents and quirks of family members. Family stories range from fun and entertaining to tragic with lessons to be learned in all of them. They can help us understand what makes us unique and connects us.
I recently learned of the term “Familect” which refers to the private language developed and used within a single family. It is formed from unique words or phrases, inside jokes and mispronounced words. What immediately came to mind was that “cucumbers” in my family, were referred to as “cute bummers” or “cumbercues” which my brother and I called them when we were small. My dad’s nickname for my sister was Moon since she was always up to greet Dad when he came home from work late at night. I was Mumu thanks to a Hawaiian dress I wore that had huge purple flowers on it. My brother was Pardner- Dad’s buddy. Mom’s called my brother Dickies, my sister Bickey or Buckeye and I was Ginifer or Furry Gin. What is your familect?
A cross country trip I took to honor my mom and fulfill a final wish focused on my history and memories, but more than that it stimulated other people I met along the way to share their memories. It evolved into a book I launched this month The Memory Box Journey - Capturing a Life Story. Questions at the end of each chapter and tips can help you capture your story. Get your free download here.
What is your memory legacy? Get started now before those precious memories slip away.You don't have to write a book to do it!
DECEMBER EVENTS (FREE OR LOW COST) OF INTEREST TO GEEZERS
Hospice of North Idaho - 44th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - Gather family for an evening of calm reflection. Two program times include formal program, outdoor luminary walk and refreshments. Thurs, Dec 4th 4:30 or 6p.m. Free event. Registration required. hospiceofnorthidaho.org/news (208) 772-7994
