This is wonderful, as always!! Thank you for the reminder, reasons why and examples how to do it!! So simple as it always is, but always clear, good and important!! I send love & appreciation to you! Cathy from Santa Cruz, living in Northern New Jersey now.
A very nice gift, Sharron, to yourself and others. Thank you, and Merry Christmas! My family and I are separated by distance but not love. I started my Storyletter as a way to fill in the gaps in the story of what my family knows of me.
I would love for you to write more about this family "distance" and about what your family "doesn't know about you". How did it come about? I find your life ( as revealed slowly in your stories) to be very interesting, James Ron. Happiest of holidays to you!
You are very nice, Sharron. Thank you! My path led to California and I settled in. There isn't much that my family doesn't know. : ) We visit often but it's never enough. Details are lost when there's not a lot of time spent together, just talking. Hopefully, stories fill in the gaps.
For my part, I find our stories do fill in the gaps, James Ron, especially now that I don't go out much, but I have to say, I miss THEIR stories and, of course, the hugs and kisses.
That's very true. It goes both ways. I've missed a lot of their lives and am slowly filling in on their times gone by. Hugs and kisses? - maybe just a little. : )
Appreciate the life that you put out there Sharron. If we let our inner critic, our not good enough self lead, we'd be sitting somewhere in a dark corner. This season is here. . .and we believe it changes some things, for us all.
Beautiful and kind (your inner Rhino is peeking...) thoughts for all times of the year, Sharron.
Like you, I want my parents back. I have regrets. I have unheard stories.
I try to do better with my children and grandchildren... seeing some this Christmas... and staying in touch with what works....phone, text, email, sometimes in person though they are scattered.
As you mentioned, life is not infinite, so talk now, say you're sorry now, and mostly say I love you.
Thank you, Heather, for agreeing with me. I saw a film once, where at Xmas eve, the family passed around a brown paper bag filled with questions on little slips of paper, meaningful questions. Each person pulled a question from the bag and asked it of another family member. The discussions became so real. It was beautiful. They were questions like, "What happy family memory will you never forget? What do you fee has been your greatest achievement so far? What wish do you have for the coming year? Who is someone you miss? What makes you really really happy? etc.
Sharron you’ve been in my life for 57 years now and I want to thank you for your love, support and inspiration. We’ve shared many stories along the way. You mean the world to me❤️ Love, Susan
And you to me as well, Susan. You are the sanest and kindest member of our family, in my opinion. But = 57 years? Yeeps! How old does that make us? 60? Yeah. about 60, I'd say.
Hi Sharron, Such wise words. You have such wonderful stories that your Mom shared with you - they give you such a wonderful piece of your history. Things I can never know about mine because we were never allowed those conversations.
Well, darn it, Janice, that is just sad. And all their contemporaries are gone as well. I would love to hear your story about why your parents did not allow those "history" conversations. Maybe some day....?
Yes, it would have been nice to know. However, I suspect it's a story I can't write - it would be pure speculation on my part. I can guess! I can put two and two together but that might get me to the wrong answer. So, it will remain a mystery, and at the same time whatever that history was - it set the foundation for who I am today. And that's ok.
I too miss the ones who have passed and I can no longer talk to. I'm making the effort to be there for my kids and grandchildren while I'm still here. I try to keep in mind that I've always done my best and when that fell short, it wasn't for lack of trying. Thank you for this lovely holiday post, Sharron. I hope you have a peaceful and happy holiday.
Grandkids? GRANDKIDS!!? You never said anything about grandkids before. Tell me more, my friend. You playing Santa this year? I can just see you in a red suit and little pointy cap.
This is such important advice. Such conversations were not allowed in my family. I had so many questions and got so few answers. What a gift to have had such wonderful conversations with your Mom.
I look forward to your family story about your parents' reticence to share. You will share it with us some day. I believe a lot of people could relate.
Thank you, Mitchell. And I wish you a great Christmas with those who love you, as well.
Hi Sharron,
This is wonderful, as always!! Thank you for the reminder, reasons why and examples how to do it!! So simple as it always is, but always clear, good and important!! I send love & appreciation to you! Cathy from Santa Cruz, living in Northern New Jersey now.
New Jersey?? OMG I am really out of touch! Send me an email with news update! bassanois@cruzio.com
A very powerful message. Thank you for your words, Sharron.
Thank you FandF. Happy holidays to you!
So very timely, and thoughtfully written. Thank you.
I wish you a happy holiday season, Linda, with your beautiful family!
A very nice gift, Sharron, to yourself and others. Thank you, and Merry Christmas! My family and I are separated by distance but not love. I started my Storyletter as a way to fill in the gaps in the story of what my family knows of me.
I would love for you to write more about this family "distance" and about what your family "doesn't know about you". How did it come about? I find your life ( as revealed slowly in your stories) to be very interesting, James Ron. Happiest of holidays to you!
You are very nice, Sharron. Thank you! My path led to California and I settled in. There isn't much that my family doesn't know. : ) We visit often but it's never enough. Details are lost when there's not a lot of time spent together, just talking. Hopefully, stories fill in the gaps.
For my part, I find our stories do fill in the gaps, James Ron, especially now that I don't go out much, but I have to say, I miss THEIR stories and, of course, the hugs and kisses.
That's very true. It goes both ways. I've missed a lot of their lives and am slowly filling in on their times gone by. Hugs and kisses? - maybe just a little. : )
Appreciate the life that you put out there Sharron. If we let our inner critic, our not good enough self lead, we'd be sitting somewhere in a dark corner. This season is here. . .and we believe it changes some things, for us all.
Yes, thank you. It is as you say. You are a very kind man, Ron, and I wish we were neighbors. Happy holidays to you, my friend.
Great message to read as I’m writing Christmas cards for close friends and family .
Yes! A perfect medium for sending heartfelt, but often unexpressed, sentiment. And a perfect rainy day to do it on. Enjoy!
Beautiful and kind (your inner Rhino is peeking...) thoughts for all times of the year, Sharron.
Like you, I want my parents back. I have regrets. I have unheard stories.
I try to do better with my children and grandchildren... seeing some this Christmas... and staying in touch with what works....phone, text, email, sometimes in person though they are scattered.
As you mentioned, life is not infinite, so talk now, say you're sorry now, and mostly say I love you.
Merry Christmas, Sharron.
Thank you, Heather, for agreeing with me. I saw a film once, where at Xmas eve, the family passed around a brown paper bag filled with questions on little slips of paper, meaningful questions. Each person pulled a question from the bag and asked it of another family member. The discussions became so real. It was beautiful. They were questions like, "What happy family memory will you never forget? What do you fee has been your greatest achievement so far? What wish do you have for the coming year? Who is someone you miss? What makes you really really happy? etc.
What a great idea. Wonder if I should have some wine first?
That goes without saying, my friend...
Happy holidays. :).
Thank you, Olga! And best wishes to you as well.
Sharron you’ve been in my life for 57 years now and I want to thank you for your love, support and inspiration. We’ve shared many stories along the way. You mean the world to me❤️ Love, Susan
And you to me as well, Susan. You are the sanest and kindest member of our family, in my opinion. But = 57 years? Yeeps! How old does that make us? 60? Yeah. about 60, I'd say.
Hi Sharron, Such wise words. You have such wonderful stories that your Mom shared with you - they give you such a wonderful piece of your history. Things I can never know about mine because we were never allowed those conversations.
Well, darn it, Janice, that is just sad. And all their contemporaries are gone as well. I would love to hear your story about why your parents did not allow those "history" conversations. Maybe some day....?
Yes, it would have been nice to know. However, I suspect it's a story I can't write - it would be pure speculation on my part. I can guess! I can put two and two together but that might get me to the wrong answer. So, it will remain a mystery, and at the same time whatever that history was - it set the foundation for who I am today. And that's ok.
Thank you, Sharron! I hope I can take your sage advise to heart (and to action!).
One step at a time, my friend!
Thank you for this, Sharron, and for sharing your perspective. I learn a lot from you - not just about writing, but about life.
Happy Holidays to you and yours, my friend. 😊
Thanks, Justin. You are the best! I can just see you playing Santa Claus.
I too miss the ones who have passed and I can no longer talk to. I'm making the effort to be there for my kids and grandchildren while I'm still here. I try to keep in mind that I've always done my best and when that fell short, it wasn't for lack of trying. Thank you for this lovely holiday post, Sharron. I hope you have a peaceful and happy holiday.
Grandkids? GRANDKIDS!!? You never said anything about grandkids before. Tell me more, my friend. You playing Santa this year? I can just see you in a red suit and little pointy cap.
Oh yeah! Seven of them, all in the Northeast. We're going up to visit in late January. Can't wait to see them.
Wowie! What a legacy! I see you in new ( grandpa) light now.
Haha. They call me Papa (The first one called me that and it stuck)
and your sage adviCe, too!
Ha ha ha
Hi 👋Sharron,
This is such important advice. Such conversations were not allowed in my family. I had so many questions and got so few answers. What a gift to have had such wonderful conversations with your Mom.
I look forward to your family story about your parents' reticence to share. You will share it with us some day. I believe a lot of people could relate.