Week 209

Positive post Sunday, February 21, 2021- Week 209. 

My thoughtful and creative niece, Jessica Chaney, spent this past year walking through memory lane with my mom.  She asked her 45 questions ranging from, “What is one of your fondest childhood memories?” to “Are you more like your father or your mother?  In what ways?” to “What do you consider one of your greatest achievements in life?”.  

Jessica captured all the questions and my mom’s responses and created a book titled, “Mom’s Memoirs”.  An actual hardback book, complete with a table of contents.  She surprised my sister Karen, my brother Tom and me this past week, presenting us with more than a book, but an heirloom we will cherish and share and hand down to generations to come.  

I’ve already read the book 3 times, the first time with my mom at my parent’s house when Jessica surprised me via Duo (a sign of the times during the continued pandemic).  We shared many laughs and a few tears.  It was the first time in many months I was able to be with my mom and dad in person now that they have both completed the COVID-19 vaccination process.  This reminds me to encourage us all to seek out those family members, friends and neighbors who are eligible to get vaccinated but may not have the resources to do so and help them.  As an example, we have neighbors who are 92 years young.  They have been self-isolating and don’t have a computer or the resources needed to get vaccinations.  Michele reached out to them, scheduled their appointments, and will take them to get vaccinated.

Since I’ve been home, I’ve had the chance to read the book a few more times and absorb some of the wisdom and history that has shaped my values and life.  I now have Mom’s Memoir as a source for inspiration and guidance as I continue to navigate through life’s challenges and celebrate milestones.  I hope my children, grandchildren and future generations will also cherish this family heirloom and use it as a reference as they grow both personally and professionally and raise their families.  

Below are just a few examples of questions and answers that help me better understand the foundation for my passions in life.  These are in addition to my mom remembering when in elementary school, I would come to her at night and say that I had a book report due the next day and could she help me because I hadn’t read the whole book.  Sorry it took so long for your help to bear fruit mom, but as you know, I now have a passion for reading and writing! I also appreciated the shout out to “Faith, Family & Fitness”.

When asked if she was more like her father or mother and in what ways, she noted that she feels she is like both her parents (my grandparents Nana and Papa, whom I miss very much).  She mentioned that both Nana and Papa enjoyed helping others and so does she.  Nana used to say, “I think God put us here to help one another when and wherever needed”.  My grandparents were, and my parents continue to be, role models for giving to others.  They are some of the most generous people the good Lord has placed on this earth.  I hope to carry on their tradition by giving back more that I receive in life.

Another example is my mom’s response to the question, “What is your best advice when it comes to work?”.  Her response included, “Always give the ultimate effort and remember you are there to WORK”.  She also mentions the importance of doing something you are really interested in.  This is sound advice for all of us and confirms where I got my work ethic from!  I have mentored and coached many employees and friends, and regularly ask them if they enjoy their job and if they have passion for the work they are doing.  If they don’t have that fire in their eye, I encourage them to find the job that motivates them.

My final example is my mom’s response to the question, “What do you consider one of your greatest achievements in life?”.  Her answer was, “My greatest achievement in life would me my marriage of 65 years and the family we created”.  I would add 65 years so far!  My parents have clearly set the bar high for the rest of us.  At this point in their lives, not only have they been married for 65 years, but they also have 3 children, 11 grandchidlren and 13 grandchildren to date.  We are all honored to be a part of their legacy, one of faith, family and giving.

We are so blessed to have both my parents still with us, I continue to learn from them every day.  If your parents are still living, spend time with them, learn from them, understand your history.  If they have gone before you, remember their wisdom, carry on their legacy, and be comforted that one day, with God’s grace, you will join them again.

How are you reaching out to those in need to support them during this pandemic?

If you are currently working, do you have a passion for your work? if not, consider finding a job the motivates you!

What do you consider one of your greatest achievements in your life to date?  What do you still want to achieve?  What will your legacy be?