We realized how special our family dinners we when each of us moved away from home. When we would come for a visit the thing we always wanted was a family dinner.
What made the family dinners so special was the stories. The "did I ever tell you about the time" stories that we all knew, practically by heart, but laughed each time until we were out of breath. Not all of the stories were funny, in fact some were "life lessons" on leadership, respect, honor, and persistence. These were the stories that formed our values.
I want that for my son. I want him to have stories he knows by heart and yet finds funny every time. I want him to know the stories I know of his grandparents. I want him to have stories of his own to tell.
I know what you mean. I want that for my children, too. I tell my Little Bit about her great grandmother already. She knew my baby, but she was so little, she'll never remember her. She does have a little quilt she made her, and I will keep it for her always, because that's what my grandmother did, make quilts. And she will know that each stitch was made with love as I tell her all about her while I make my quilts and teach her to sew.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger and my parents were still married, we were forced into family dinners, too. We used to play "what's new." We'd go around the table and everyone had to share something new, either something they had learned or something that had happened to them. At the time, it was totally lame... but now I really miss it.
ReplyDelete