I have been thinking for a while that we should do more to document the story of our family. In the process this year of dealing with my father's belongings, when he moved to assisted living, and then later after he died, I realized how much I don't know about my parents and their families and lives. I learned a lot by reading my father's letters, notes, journals and other writings, and I am lucky that during most of his life, he was organized, and saved everything. But so much information -- about him and my mother and their life together -- is lost. With my parents' passing, anything they didn't tell us, or write down, has vanished, almost as if it never happened.
It's kind of like Birdie Wine. I would give almost anything to remember the words of that silly song, so witty and full of joy. I have the wonderful memory of Mattie and Aidan giggling and singing Birdie Wine as we drove in the car on family trips. I love that memory. Why didn't we write down the words?
With the internet, we can easily work together to document our story. Think how valuable this blog will be someday, if each of us uses it -- even just once in a while -- to share pictures and to document our memories of our family life. As you can see, I have started the process. Now, I would like each of you to add whatever you want, whatever you believe tells our story.
Love, Dad
