Word Ghosts and moments

Today’s little moments become tomorrow’s precious memories.

Making a Memory Journal

Dear Fellow Journals,

Unlike a regular journal, the Memory Journal relies on the material you must gather – the photos, documents etc. The key to this is to keep it simple. Designate a box or file folder for each memory “category” you are going to write about. The categories can be childhood memories, school, parents etc. I would use plastic page protectors for the documents.

There are plenty of planners out in the market that you can use along with scrapbooks to document your memories. Once I started doing this, it became addictive and I found lots of post-it notes with memory prompts that I added to each box. The trick is to begin with one category at a time. Some page layouts will follow in the next post.

‘Til then,

~Sallie

Memory Journal Prompts

Dear Fellow Journalers,

In preparing a memory journal at first glance it seems like an impossible task but my advice is to take it in pieces. You could start with your childhood and answer the following questions (prompts):

  •      What was your favorite toy?
  •      Did you ever get lost? Who found you?
  •      As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
  •      What was your favorite subject in school?
  •      Did you have a favorite teacher?
  •      Do you remember any instances that made you extremely happy or scared?
  •      What was you favorite tv show?
  •      What books did you read over and over again?

If you want to delve into your parents’ lives, begin by finding old photos and documents such as birth certificates, old report cards, letters, pictures. Often letters can be the door to your understanding of how and why your parents acted and thought. Some possible questions to ponder: did you have family traditions? What did you do on Sundays? Write down 3 of your father’s favorite movies, songs, sports, time of year, meals. Was there anything noteworthy of your mother’s upbringing – for instance, she grew up in the Depression, or worked in a factory during WWII.

You could create lists of: places you have traveled to, the people you admire, your favorite movies, your favorite books (and why) your goals.

There are many, many prompts available for you to choose from so as I’ve stated before, take the journey of remembrance slowly, savoring each moment and tell it to your family and friends so they can share your legacy.

‘Til then,

~Sallie

P.S. Books I have read about discovering family through letters include “Against Wind and Tide” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“The Diary” by Eileen Goudge

“One Lavender Ribbon” by Heather Burch

Memory Journal

Dear Fellow Journalers,

Memories, “they say”, can never be taken from you, but the intricacies of the memory itself can fade. Do you really remember all the important details people’s names, the little things that happened or even the big experiences, the way you felt? The only way to remember is to write things down.

A Life worth living is worth recording.

     Now you may think that crafting a memory journal will be tedious and you see a giant headache in your future. But think of it this way, you’ll re-live and reevaluate events, relationships and turning points in your life. With perspectives that can only be gained by living forward, reflecting backwards you’ll re-examine your life and view the challenges and the discovery of who you are now. You are an important part of your friends and family lives and the portrait of you gives these important people a greater understanding and appreciation of the what’s and why’s and how’s of you.

   If you’re of a particular age, you might also be one of the last people alive with memories of your grandparents and perhaps even your parents. How many times have you heard someone say “I wish I knew more about my Dad” or ” I came from an estranged family. I wish I knew more about my Grandparents – did I look like them? Where did they come from?”

  You also are an eyewitness to historical events. Your memories, experiences and perspective about events that happened all around you add to the collective knowledge of our past. I always like viewing TV shows about historical events in which the narrator or the scene portrays little known events. You know the ones I mean – the events not recorded in history books. The story about a man who missed the train because he drove his child to school because his son missed the bus and the man was NOT at the World Trade Center when it was attacked or the people in the crowd who were cheering the marathon runners in Boston MA – there are hundreds of stories like that memories locked up in people’s minds and hearts.  On a personal note, I remember watching the moon space landing and the day Kennedy was shot. ( I know I am dating myself!)  I remember my wedding day, the day our son was born, holding my newborn granddaughter for the first time, the first time I rode a horse, went on a train trip, saw Peter Pan with Mary Martin in NYC, swam in the ocean – big and small things that make up my life.

     These and more reasons propelled me to write a memory journal if not for me than for the generations of family members who come after.

‘Til then,

~Sallie

 

Memories

Within my book of memories
are special thoughts of you
and all the evidence of glorious things
which, because of you, came true.

As I turn back the pages of memories
and recall each single thought,
I realize the happiness and pleasure
that knowing you has brought.

There are memories of the times
we’ve shared both bright and gloomy days
there are memories of your kindness
and your friendly, thoughtful ways.

There are memories of your laughter,
your gay and cheery smile
that added a bright note to each of us
and made life more worthwhile.

There are memories of the things
we planned each friendly little chat,
when we would get together
and just talk of this and that.

And when I recall these memories
as I move along life’s way
they grow more precious and blessed
with every passing day.

 

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