# 8 Why Tell & Retell Family Stories?

                                                     My Grandma Regina and Brother David
Click Here for Audio Version

Hi Friends, 

Thanks for reading/listening and your kind words about my blog post stories. I've had folks say I am lucky to know so much about my relatives and their lives. Others said nothing ever happened in their families, so they have no stories to tell. The truth is, every family has stories. What may be missing is an understanding of the importance of knowing and sharing family history.

I admit I come from a clan that loves to talk, and often all at once. Yes, growing up I spent a lot of time with older relatives, so I had a chance to hear them tell and retell family stories. But, I contend no family is so boring or closemouthed that there is nothing to learn and share. 

I also believe knowledege of your heredity is valuable in the development of one's self identity and confidence. Learning about your heritage enhances your sense of belonging. Knowing about your predecessors may even help with your understanding and acceptence of  unique talents and traits. We can learn from the experiences of others which may help us when faced with making choices and decisions of our own.  

All of which is to say, there is much worth in the collecting and desceminating of family stories beyond the mere enjoyment of the tales themselves. Also I think we can learn and benefit from the ancestral lore of others beyond our own family circles.

Recently I read an old blog post by Allison Hendrix * about what she learned when a relative turned 100. She shared the following list of questions which can spark intergenerational sharing of experiences. It would work well for any family member, not just grandparents. You can right click on it to save as a photo.  

I hope you will be inspired and encouraged to begin or keep on telling family stories. We all will be the richer for it. Gloria 

*Thanks muchly, Allison!

Click Here for Allison's Blog