Greetings, Sunny Optimists,
A few weeks ago, David and I took our three-year-old grandson Noah out for the day. He is an adventurous little boy who loves to be outside, and he is completely at home in nature. We have a favourite walk near our house that takes us deep into a Glen that runs alongside the river Gore. It is quiet with lots of nooks and crannies for Noah to explore in safety.
There is a magical paddling place that we visit often. Noah and I have water shoes so that he and I can paddle there to our heart's content. Off come our trousers, socks, and shoes, and then we embark on the next adventure.
Below is Noah and Grandad's video playing a game of making waves with a tree in the river. (Just click on the photo to play the video.)
Watch out for the little accident.
Enjoy!
Capturing Family Memories
Ever since David and I began babysitting for the grandkids, I take a video or a photograph each time we are out and send it back to Mummy. The Mummies tell me they appreciate the connection to what the little one is doing when they are out with us. A wonderful array of memories exist now as a result of this commitment.
This day was no exception. I started videoing and was enjoying seeing Noah and his Granddad engaging in making waves. What happened next was one of those rare occasions when a memory arises that you know is special.
I love that Noah tries to move the tree to make waves himself and quickly decides that he can't. You can see him thinking about this and then deciding to give his Grandad instructions to 'make more waves' instead.
I also love that Noah bends forward and plays with his jumper in anticipation of the waves coming.
And then David slips into the water!
I so appreciate the laughter surrounding David's little accident. A truly special memory for him and me, as grandparents. I love seeing Noah and his Granddad bond as they laugh together.
When I sent the video to the family, there was a real sense of sharing something special.
How Family Memories Nourish Us
Writing this has reminded me of the importance of family memories. It opens a recollection of my 2016 MSc Dissertation: 'Grandparenting and the Flow of Love across the Family.' I interviewed 14 grandparents about the practices they had to let love flow in their family. It was a great experience. I saw how vital grandparents are in retelling family stories as well as creating new memories.
I asked the grandparents to bring an object to the interview and tell me about the family memory each one evoked. One was a large painting of his family tree, another their 'Mary Poppins' bag, another a brass turtle, and another brought a favourite childhood book. I was touched by how they often looked back to their memories of their own grandparents.
The insights I gained inspires me to make sure that I remember to share little things from our family story. I continue to stay alert to creating new memories so the grandchildren establish their place within our family.
Questions for you today
I can see how my optimism is lifted by conversations with my family that begin with 'Do you remember that time when....?' Often this takes place around the dinner table.
So today, I invite you to stop and take a moment to touch into your family lineage and see what you recall.
Is there a family memory that comes forward in this moment that warms your heart?
Have you a photograph or an object that connects you to the storyline of your family?
Are there new memories emerging that brighten your day?
As always, I would love to hear from you.
Ann
Little incidents from childhood that are so memorable. We all need to remember these - they might not be deep or profound but all the more wonderful and touching because of that. When I was seven I received a monopoly game from Santa. So did the little boy across the road. My dad said Ah Santa must have been buying in bulk for the whole town. And laughed with a lovely light in his eyes. Memories especially the simplest are so worth clinging on to. They will have our old age younger ourselves when our own elders perhaps are no more.
Sending brightest waves of sunny happiness to you Ann. And thank you for sharing that lovely film and anecdote.
Oh, how delightful, Ann. I love seeing and learning more about your family! We found out yesterday that Larry's daughter is 5 1/2 months pregnant...and she had no idea!!! So we'll have another grandchild joining us in March. I know we'll be making so many fun memories with this little one. Thank you for the reminder to record them. :0)