This article tells about some really interesting research done on the impact family stories have on children. What is interesting is that they found children who were raised hearing stories about their family are actually more resilient, happier, healthier and have higher self-esteem. I think this principle of story telling applies to more than just families as well. Think about the stories we tell in the Church and the stories that have been told throughout the history of mankind:
- The fall of Adam and Eve (which is a story we are still taught today in the temple) and the Plan of Salvation. This is a story that binds us to the entire human family. The fall is something we can all relate to and definitely can help us be more resilient in times of trial.
- The many stories that have been told within the House of Israel throughout time. The story of Joseph in Egypt, the story of Moses leading them out of Egypt and delivering them, the story of a Messiah that would come to redeem Israel. These are stories that are all part of our family history.
- The stories of our more recent and direct ancestors, such as Samuel Lorenzo Adams getting married at the drop of a hat and sailing to America. I shared this in our ward recently and the sisters seem to be a little stand-offish now. I don't understand why.
- Then there are stories about the Peter and Melody Hall family. Wages Creek, Bodega Bay, breaking down on the way to Idaho, and Vanilla Ice come to mind.
I have to say that I am grateful for the stories that bind us together as a family. I've listed below some memories, some are more story-like than others.
From my family members, including any cousins that have memories of our families interacting, I want to solicit stories in order to document our "family narrative" for our children and our grandchildren. Feel free to give as much or as little detail as possible. If you can think of any stories just comment on this post. Thanks!
- Swiss Colony, little smokies, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- Bodega Bay - "Yo Vanilla, kick it one more time, boooyyyy!"
- Breaking down on the way to Idaho (x15)
- Wages Creek. Getting up early to go out and collect shells when the tide was out. Watching grandpa Hall play horseshoes. Michelle making friends with just about anyone and everyone Michelle boogie boarding without a wetsuite. Waking up and hearing dad starting the fire, then getting up and having hot chocolate and pop tarts.
- Digging out half of the pool to make a "deep end".
- Kim realizing that her bike was green.
- Popcorn and cranberries on the Christmas tree.
- Doorbell ditching plates of cookies at Christmas.
- Mom making clothes for us.
- Having extra money left over after the garage was built and getting a trampoline!
- That time Michelle got here appendix out the hard way.
- That time Chris got his appendix out after the worst camping trip ever.
- Having "the cousins" come over to swim.
- Coming home from trips to Idaho and seeing that the deck around the pool had been painted by "the cousins".
- Dad trying to be good and have family home evening even though there was a Giants game on, and somehow successfully getting both done.
- The "little blue car" that Pam drove in high school. You could hear it coming from a mile away.
