Let's not forget to tell our stories

Tonight is one of those nights where I had to force myself away from work, make myself some hot tea, and let myself just sit, and rest, and be. Last week turned out to be a very busy week, with an unexpected three day visit, ten hours away. That meant that when we returned I tried super hard to catch up on work, and unpacking, and sleep, and the dishes, and then more work. Somehow I got stuck in the rut and this week all I want to do is work, work, work. But...I just need to be.

I just need to stop chasing a goal, and remember what it feels like to breathe.

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I am so, so, thankful for families and their legacies. 

I am very thankful that I married into a great family that I truly enjoy spending time with. I am extremely blessed to have parents who are willing to drive a couple of hours after their already busy workdays in order to have supper with me. My families are so worth long drives and little sleep.

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I have been reading letters for a few months now - from a WWII soldier to my great-aunt. My mom has scanned them one by one and sent them in the mail to me every couple of days. She also includes pictures of my great-aunt, her fiance, and other family members. I read the letters, I look at the pictures, and I talk to my mother - all to know more about a beautiful, difficult, story that is a part of my family's past. 

I recently heard many stories about a woman in my husband's family that I never really knew, but I wish that I did. She lived a life worth remembering, and telling about. I could hear in the stories just how much she meant to her family. I learned the ways in which she passed her skills and her character on to her children, and her grandchildren.

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We need to share our stories. For those who are close to us, these stories are precious. Whether it be on a blog that you share with family and friends, or letters, or simply passing stories around your families, it is important to share your stories. Even more important? Listen. Listen to the stories told by others. These are the things that we should hold on to and treasure. These are the things that matter.