Whenever I sit down with someone and go over my medical history, I tell them to bring a blanket and a comfortable chair. Might as well settle in for a bit. Physicians create medical records because they can’t remember everything about your care. In my case it would be like reading the encyclopedia before every exam visit. We also naively believe our doctor stays up all night reading the record in preparation for tomorrow’s visit. Not. They’re actually glancing at your stuff and eating a jelly donut while breezing into see you. “Next patient.” So, take responsibility for your information and write down your doctor’s contact, medications, procedures, etc. Even though it’s your private information, you’ll eventually not recall it but someone will need it to take care of you. Whether you like it or not, all memories fade, so write them down for your family’s benefit.
Growing up my mother liked to argue about every topic under the sun with my dad an attorney who argued for a living. To say the least our house had a lot of robust discussions over the years. As we grew up and out and they aged, the volume of those moments faded quietly. When my mom died and dad lived by himself he said to me one day “I miss your mother.” I said, “I miss her too, but do you miss arguing with her all the time?” He looked at me puzzled, “we never argued.” At that moment it dawned on me the entrance to Heaven is only open to those with a pure heart and a memory drive wiped clean of all negatives. Some people hang on to negative thoughts all their lives, but God won’t let you drag your junk through the pearly gates and spoil the atmosphere like a skunk at the garden party.
I still have great memories from long ago, but I’m recalling less of the conversations I had with my parents and none with my grandparents. Plus I only know facts about my great grandparents (date of birth, siblings, ran over by a train, etc), but I am clueless about their personalities – were they funny, lazy, was she a jerk, did they wack each other with kitchen ladles to communicate? My father had a sarcastic humor and mine runs parallel to it. Is humor genetic based? I think so. Some fathers are ecstatic when their children win sports scholarships; I was beside myself when David received The Most Sarcastic recognition his senior year. To preserve this rich history, the family started writing down “Lawsonisms,” sarcastic or silly comments we have said usually late on Saturday nights. “Lawsonisms” is now loaded with hundreds of entries and Diane accounts for many of them. “Peter, can you fix the TV? Everyone is speaking French.” Oui madame, let me switch the language dial. Years from now when we are just literal memories though, I’m hoping Quinn or other grandkids will regularly read and laugh at “Lawsonisms” around a campfire. In some houses family members recall with great pride their ancestors epic military careers, outstanding business ventures, or life long community service. I pray mine will just shake their heads in utter amazement saying, “wow, our relatives sure were funny, but boy were they nutty.” Slainte.
I enjoy reminiscing with, and about family. A great blog. I will forever remember the ‘handshake’. 😂🍀
Anthony taught me the handshake, just sayin’
We don’t have Starcher or Fairallisms written down (and we should) but we have a repertoire of family stories that get told often. And our poor, dead relatives seem to get the brunt of those “sarcastic” but loving remembrances. I only knew one grandmother and you are right as much as I loved her, my only conversations about her are usually with my cousins. I will make a point of mentioning her more often to my children and grandchildren. Thanks for your musings! 😊
writing them down is a great family event, but don’t wait on it.
,👍❤️👍😎
Great read…. I love your parents wedding picture! I also remember having climbed those stairs with my mother!
Peggy,
Nice to hear from you! Those stairs were pretty steep for people both coming and going. I’m sure there were several tumbles down after leaving the K+C. Best, Pete
I love this one as well, Pete. Wish I knew more about my family history. It might be something I will dive into when I start retirement lol. Another great read.
it’s never too late to start jotting things down. If you do it you can control the narrative. Pete
Very entertaining as always Pete! See you guys soon!
Jim, Stan’s is open and wondering where you are. Pete
I believe funny passes on for sure! The nutty does also, but Sarah’s little boy is funny like she is! Great sense of humor! I love that David got that award…. I see he’s following in the Lawsonism’s funny footsteps ! Stay well!!! ☘️❤️
sports scholarships are so over rated, especially since sarcasm is a sign of intelligence.
Another great blog, this one got me this week Pete. I have worked hard over the last several years to get rid of negative feelings and it’s a work in progress. Also after my recent visit to Ireland I really wish I knew more about my family, I have lost all my grandparents and parents and know very very little about my family history and I wish I did but I don’t have anyone to ask! So I deffo have to make sure Hugo has memories written down – thank you. I always feel for your parents when I read all the things you got up to! Thanks Pete ☘️ 🪳
Shelly, thanks for taking the pictures in Mullagh. I’ve not been there, but I discovered it as part of the Irish Citizenship application. That application process made me realize that our memories of people only last about one generation, so it’s good to leave behind as many reminders as possible for the next group. Empty cans of Ultra, however, are not good things to leave behind. Spit Spot. Pete