Grandparent's Day 2016 . . . and Remembering 9/11

There is so much I would like to write about my grandparents, unfortunately, I only knew one well, two I can’t remember well enough and one not at all. On my side I have a few heirlooms and keepsakes, however, on my husband’s side, he as so much more. No matter, all that we do have is proudly displayed in our Grandparent’s Museum. Here is an excerpt from my upcoming book on How to create a Family Museum for you to ponder on.

After creating the parent’s and children’s museums, another museum was designed: The Grandparent’s Museum. No justice was had by trying to include the few items we both saved from our parent’s in our museum. These things needed a display of their own, therefore, we re-arranged the hallway which had dormer space with shelves stuffed with books. We moved the books downstairs into the home office bookcase.

Then we installed and established the Grandparent’s Museums. Space was tight, but after creating the other museums, I knew how to display our parent’s heirlooms. Again, by forming the sides; Maternal & Paternal, everything fell into place.

We are fortunate to have the Grandparent’s Museum. These heirlooms represent spectrums of their lives, their stories and memories. They will always be known by their Descendants. It is the reason our family exists.  And by seeing everyday these family members who are all sadly gone, the museum keeps their spirits alive. So if you have a little more space in your home, create a Grandparent’s Museum.  It is amazing what they can still contribute to the family, for their history is your history.   

NOTE:  Parting with the heirlooms: If a relative's age prevents them from making sound decisions as to who should get what, encourage the elder to part with the heirlooms while they are still with you. Have the elder give the item directly to the person they want it to go to or let them choose. That way they can share their memories which will make the heirloom personal and more valued.

To learn more about this day, click on this site. https://grandparentsday.org/

. . . and Remembering 9/11. Today also marks the 15th anniversary of the attacks, the deadliest ever to occur on American soil. Grandparents, parents and children across the globe watched in absolute shock the horror taking place in front of their eyes as the stare at their televisions the terrorist attack. Anyone you talk to about this day can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing at that time.

So on this inauspicious day, try as we might to enjoy Grandparent’s Day, do it with solemnity, keeping in mind dignity and thoughtfulness for those whose lives perished and all those heroes who gave their all on that day.