The Stories of Our Rites of Passage
This May my family is celebrating two graduations: my son from college and my daughter from medical school. Even my youngest son is within sight of the finish line and will graduate next year. Of course, we still remember the special moments of high school graduations. What an amazing time!
In the face of these rites of passage, I am reminded of the many stories that have marked our lives.
The stories of:
my daughter’s first day at kindergarten in a new town
the Halloween one son dressed as a little man and so looked the part
the time another son flew alone to Space Camp at age ten
their precious days as acolytes in our church
the friends they helped out, the teachers they loved
the gift of laughter they gave me and so many others
his first fish, her first kiss, their first apartments, their last games
No matter where you are in your life journey–in school yourself, single and working, a parent with little ones still at home or, like me, enjoying adult children–your family has its own set of stories! This is especially true if you are blessed by grandparents who are virtual wellsprings of great stories.
In the weeks to come, my monthly InSpiritry® Story Podcasts will offer ideas for using story as a positive force in your life. For now, just begin thinking of your past as a collection of narratives, and the next time you have a moment to spare, start a notebook or journal of the wonderful, and even not so wonderful, things you remember.
The act of remembering can be affirming on its own, and the collection of stories your family represents will help you see how incredible your lives have been and how much you have shared together.
I would love to hear some of the stories your family treasures, and others may see their own experiences in yours.
That’s the great thing about InSpiritry - You Can Be a Blessing!
