At First40, we fiercely advocate for documenting our memories — writing down in your own words (or better yet, speaking in your own voice) the backstory of important moments, heirlooms, or traditions.
So today I want to thank Trish, a recent workshop participant, for sharing her family’s beautiful legacy story of memory-making on a whole new level.
Trish’s story begins in the late 1800s, when her great grandparents carefully wrapped and packed a precious dishware set to travel cross country in a covered wagon. The deep blue blown-glass pieces survived the trek and passed from generation to generation, along with the accompanying story.
Trish vividly remembers the summer her grandmother showed up at her house with the heirloom dishes carefully wrapped and packed. Grandma stated that she wanted Trish to take custody of the dishware, but only on one condition: The dishes must be used, not squirreled away in a cabinet to gather dust.
Trish’s wise grandmother realized that stuff is just stuff until we attach memories to it.
And so, the dishes came out on holidays. They came out on birthdays—even for the 5-year-olds. On any day of celebration or joy, the family heirloom made an appearance.
And something beautiful occurred. Rambunctious boys reverently caressed the delicate glassware, advising each other to “be careful with Great Grandma’s dishes.” Doe-eyed girls eagerly selected the pieces they would eat off of on milestone events.
Little by little, traditions took root, memories created, and a legacy transferred on to the next generation.
If you worry that your treasured trinkets may end up in a donation center — or worse yet, a landfill — I challenge you to take them out of your cabinet and start making memories.
Many of us have these kinds of stories in our families, and we’d love to hear yours. Use the button below to share!
