This past weekend we went on a road trip to celebrate my sister-in-law's 51st birthday in St. Paul, MN and visit with much of my husband's family.
Over the past 26 years I've found it interesting to witness the interaction of these adult siblings that now range in age from 60-something down to 45. During their time together it never fails that conversation will turn to reminiscing about their childhood and tales of growing up. From the kinds of food they had at home, to the once-in-life-time vacation trip to Europe, and of course the stories of pranks that one sibling did to another, they love to re-tell stories that they've all heard and all know. They LOVE it.
Just like children who request stories where they know the characters and they know the outcomes, it is a vital component of the human historical tradition to engage in the telling and re-telling of our stories. For anyone who has ever played the childhood game "Pass it On" where a story travels around a circle and is then repeated with the last listener, it is easy to understand that these re-told stories have probably changed in terms of details many times. Accuracy is hardly the point of sharing them. These stories are the glue that connects us in shared experience and telling them reminds us of that bond.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner I'm already thinking about the stories that will be shared at our table. There are several of us who relish spinning a tale and thrive in having a willing audience, and if not willing at least too full to move.
What stories do you usually hear each time you get together with family or friends?
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