Recently, I heard about a uniquely wonderful way to celebrate a couple’s 50th anniversary – via the viewpoints of their offspring. With families set to gather over the next week or so, I thought it worthy of passing along so that the topic might be tossed around as relatives gather ‘round and gab.
Each grown child of this golden couple has compiled the story of their childhood as they recall it, with some help and prompting from siblings along the way. The twist to part of their writings is that they are specifically including all those things they did and got away with – about which their parents never knew!
Stating that “surely the statute of limitations has run out on that stuff,” the son I spoke with looked to his siblings for help with that task as well. He figured his brothers and sisters would probably remember what he got away with more than he would! So true.
So, as this couple celebrates a long and loving marriage, laughter will no doubt be a large part of the occasion as they read about each child’s version of life in their household and all those clandestine things they never knew. What fun!
There are so many ways to honor family life with words and remembrances as kith and kin reunite for the holidays. This one seemed especially sweet. Why not start that same conversation at the holiday table this year?
Should the attendees need prompting, simply do an Internet search of “family dinner table discussion questions” and find a long list of conversation starters. Who knows what might be revealed?
Take advantage of these moments together to bond over times past and create a loving bridge to future years, with stories old and new. It’s not just blood that makes us family. It’s shared experiences as well.
