We tend to forget that we might have our own stories to tell … We wish that we had preserved the stories of Grandma, but miss the fact that, for our own children and grandchildren (and even for our own generation), we are the ones who must be the storytellers if there is to be a richness of family (or faith) stories in years to come. (Donald Davis, Telling Your Own Stories)

Can you recall some of the stories from your last family gathering? In my family, some of my relatives (again, not to mention any names), repeat the same stories time-after-time at reunions and funerals. I love our humorous family tales. Other stories inspire me to carry on some of our family traditions. But sometimes, our family narratives remind me of some very painful memories.

Do you remember a funny story that a relative repeated at every family gathering? Uncle Bill always told the best stories. And when we visited his home, he would always take us on a tour, pointing at memorabilia and telling us the story behind every item and picture. And I can also still hear Aunt Etta Mae asking for Uncle Bill’s agreement, “Isn’t that right, Bill?

Maybe one of your parents or grandparents repeated the same old wives’ tale or sayings all the time. My mother offered me an annoying wake-up call every morning before school, “Rise and shine!”

Back then I cringed with Mother’s rude awakenings. Then, after the birth of my own children, I found myself repeating the same words to them. And I’m sure they cringed, too.

Now, I embrace this memory of Mother as a precious gift. And it still echoes in my memory some mornings at sunrise.

What old wives’ tale or saying do you recall from your childhood?

Photo/BarnesFam