A few weeks ago I saw a commercial for a new show on NBC called Who Do You Think You Are.
The show follows a celebrity through the process of researching their genealogy. I found the concept of the show to be incredibly intriguing, especially because the teasers always showed the celebrity's reaction to some information that was shocking or emotional.
I actually sat down and watched an episode of the show a couple of weeks ago and it really was as good as I expected it to be. It was fun to watch Matthew Broderick find out that he had a Great Great Great something fight in the Civil War and then discover where his grave was. It was cool to see them look through census records to see when someone was counted and when they weren't.
As much as I enjoyed the show, it was also a very emotional experience for me to watch it. I'm not sure if it would have been as emotional if it had been a different celebrity, as they each bring their own story and history to the table, and in this case, Matthew Broderick's story really resonated with me on a couple of levels.
His grandparents died when he was quiet young, and with the death of his father he lost the source of information about them.
My paternal grandparents both died before I was born. I think. Maybe my grandmother died when I was very young? See, I don't even know that. While my father is still around, we just don't talk about his parents. I don't think it is something he is avoiding, it just isn't a topic of conversation.
But, the thing that struck me even more when I gave it some thought is that we are in this situation with our children.
Our children have two grandmothers that they will know only through our words. j knows who my mother is and recognizes her picture. e does not. I don't think we even have a photo of J's mother in our house.
It isn't fair that it is this way. My boys should know the feel of their grandmother's hugs, not just hear me tell them that they would have been loved.
And I really don't know, how is it possible for our words to do justice for two amazing women?
3 comments:
I haven't watched that show yet but it sounds touching. I struggle with the same thing. Our kids' grandparents are still alive, only live at a distance. It's difficult to build a strong bond when they only see each other once a year.
As a child growing up, my mom was the family "historian". She took a deep interest in our family tree (both her family and my dad's family). Growing up I was told the stories and information about my family, so while most of the people I've learned about are from photos, I know and I am proud of where I am from. So, even though there are only photos, it is possible! : )
It sucks, I won't lie. It isn't fair that your Mother and Hubby's Mother won't be here to see the children grow. To see your love for your Mother's show in their faces each time you talk about them.
Much love. I know it is hard, but you are such a strong woman, such a wonderful Mother that you will pass on your Mother's stories to your children and they will feel her love.
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