Stories

Sunday evening I was reminded, again, of the purpose and the power of telling stories to your children. As, we sat gathered around my in-laws dining room table, Matt was asked what he remembered of each of his grandparents. 

Those promptings led to other stories about great grand parents, great aunts and uncles. It was a verbal telling of a family tree - and it was so my love language. 

I think I’ve shared this quote before from The Secrets of Happy Families, but just in case:

The more children knew about their family’s history, the stronger their sense of control over their lives, the higher their self-esteem, and the more successfully they believed their families functioned. 

Your children knowing answers to questions like “Do you know where your grandparents grew up?” or “Do you know where your parents met?” is so beneficial to them. Also, when you document that in words and in pictures the stories will pass on for generations. 

I may be an odd duck, but I am fascinated by the stories. I could spend all day hearing about this woman and her life. 

Now, I have the privilege of hearing the stories from her son and her oldest grandson. Trust me, they haven’t been all put in print yet, but they well (the benefit of having a so-called writer in the family). 

Today, more stories will be told about Evelyn Estelle Dodson Bahn in a town where so much of her life took place, by so many who loved her dearly. Please pray for them as they face today. 

Post by my father in-law: https://dlbpandp.wordpress.com/2016/06/08/todays-names/