I've decided blogging will have to take place while I'm busy or not at all! It's funny how I let myself do things like that. Drats.
I've recently found out that my grandpa is having trouble remembering things. One of those things you don't really want to hear ever - especially when you're far away. It made me think, though, about (among other things) the odds of my being here and being who I am and other philosophical drivel. My grandpa, when he was in the war, was a medic. The group of men he was stationed with was going to fight, but he couldn't go because he caught the measles! This story was told to me, mind you, as a young child, so the details are fuzzy. Most, if not all, the men who fought that day were killed. Measles saved my grandpa's life! Weird. Something as small and commonly inconvenient as the measles kept me from nonexistence. That's, without a doubt, a weird, melodramatic kind of story, but it's part of the narrative I think of when I think of my grandpa. I wonder, too, how often things like that happen of which I'm unaware. All these things that are really quite essential to not just my being here but also to my family's story that sometimes get passed over. So basically, all of this to say I wonder if we should put more emphasis on family narratives. Maybe we should put more emphasis on narratives in general. We remember where we came from so it shapes where we're going. Our country? Friendships? The catholic (small c) church? Other things? Sheesh. I'm fairly certain we could stop and think calmly (as a professor of mine would say) about endless narratives which we're a part of and are still affecting. I kind of like that idea. I kind of don't like that idea, too. Almost makes me want to be a historian... Just wondering if other people thought about this sort of thing as well. Maybe we could start a club and even have dps devise a slogan for t-shirts. : )
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
my grandpa and narratives
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5 comments:
I feel for you being away with this going on in your family. I know what you are feeling, in a since. I found out this past weekend that my grandma was in the hospital because of heart problems. So, it's been one of those weeks for me.
Gives me bad indigestion.
Don't fret though, she is back at home and I am going to see her tomorrow.
As for narratives. I love them, too. I was talking in one of my classes today about how we are educated by everyone we encounter somewhat. That's a little scary. As for my family's narratives, I am eager to hear stories this weekend as my family gathers to celebrate a benchmark - a 50th wedding anniversary. How remarkable! 50 years of two person's lives spent together. It amazes me and pushes me to pray to have that someday. All the lives affected by those two people, together. I wonder if folks can remember them not together? Grandparents are a wonderful gift.
I'm not really sure what else I have to say on narratives though. I'm glad you posted. I was getting lonely. I love you, dear friend. Have lovely, blessed day!
I'm sorry for not commenting the first go-round, Laura dear.
I definitely agree that family narratives are important. They give you a sense of history, not only for your family but for the world. Reading things in a history book and hearing about them happening to someone you know are two entirely different things. And although I wouldn't go quite so far as to say that I'm terribly interested in geneaology, I do think even that is important. Someone should do it, I'm just glad it doesn't have to be me. :)
Anywho, family narratives are also a really good way to connect with people. It gives you a better sense of who people are if you know where they've come from. And besides, it's just a lot of fun to hear about stuff that's happened in the past, like what stupid things your grandparents did when they were kids or whatever. It's good for the formation of community, which I believe you have a soapbox about. Just kidding. I agree that community is important.
But seriously, I think narrative is important on a whole lot of levels and should be emphasized in the formation of any community, especially one so important as the church.
So I guess that's all. Is that an acceptable comment?
You make it sound like I had you in my kajukickface choke hold threatening you, Sarah. : ) Thanks for the comment.
Soap boxes make me taller. That's why I have so many. You should try it, oh short one.
My granddad was in the 106th division in WWII, then transferred to the air corps. Then the Battle of the Bulge happened and his entire division was 90% destroyed. Then they transferred him back to infantry. That's his story.
I agree, family narratives are so important. I did a project where I had to get all this family history, I interviewed various family members I hadn't talked to much and they began telling me stories. I realized how important it was when they would get to something and say, "I can't really remember..." and I was dissapointed that I wouldnt get to hear that part of the story. Stories shape our lives. Thanks for the post!
~JK
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