Roots

I found a book for Father's day for my Grandpa- it was titled "In Grandpa's Words". It was a collection of questions that were to be filled out during a session (or sessions) of the reader and Grandpa. It was such a good idea that I decided it should be inclusive of my Grandma too- sort of an oral history of their lives together and what their thoughts and memories of life are.
I am appalled to say that six months later I have finally started. I am planning on going to both sets of grandparent's every Sunday to sit and talk with them and to get their stories.
I had such a good time listening to my Grandpa Phil tell me stories about his childhood and I couldn't believe all of the things that he had to say- He had been drafted in the Korean War, was in Denver finishing up his physical when the news of his deferment hit him- he didn't have to go to war because of his new born daughter- my Godmother. I just thought to myself, This all could have gone so differently, He could have gone to war, possibly died; and none of us would exist... It made tears come to my eyes.
I regret not doing this sooner, I know hindsight is 20/20 but my Grandma hardly remembers anything since her stroke and it is hard to know what is accurate or not- Thank God my Grandpa is OCD and writes everything down (probably where I get it from :D) It breaks my heart to see her stumble over her words and not be able to express what she wants to say.
It was not as successful with the Archuleta's- I was able to get a few memories and stories out of them, they just didn't seem too into it. I'm going to try a different approach with them next time- giving specific things that I am looking for. Hopefully if I keep coming every week they will get more comfortable sharing with me and hopefully remember more things.
I hope to be able to scan a lot of their pictures and add them to the memories and stories I'm collecting. I want to make a book with everything in it for me and any of my family that might like one. I want to ask for more in depth stuff from my aunts and uncles too. I'm really excited at this project, it seems like a lot to take on but I think it will be so rewarding- I want my kids to know my grandparents too and this seems like such a wonderful way to make sure that they do.