On days when nothing much happened to me – and there were many – I recorded stories about my family, about my roommate’s family, people I didn’t even know, if they intrigued me. Looking back, these got-to-fill-up-the-page entries are frequently the most interesting because – since I’m not in the story – I’ve forgotten most of the details.
Why not just leave the page blank? Please. Do you really think someone who kept a daily diary from 1964 until the present could tolerate a blank page? Maybe it’s a tad obsessive-compulsive but for me the effort has been more than worth it. Why?
I never would’ve remembered my father’s anecdotes about the old folks home if I hadn’t written them down. When I reread this diary entry last year, it was particularly poignant because my father was near the end of his life, about to be admitted to the Lutheran old folks home where he once preached. How did it happen so fast? Would anyone remember, if it wasn’t written down? Why does it matter?
For one thing, how else would I know what it’s like to preach to elderly patients with dementia? More importantly, revisiting his stories brought his spirit back to life for a minute. I could hear his voice, his gentle laugh. That old lady had it right. He was so beautiful.
Sandra (Sandy) July 2, 2016 at 10:20 am
Brought me to laughter…and then to tears. I’ll always remember your dad–I wasn’t much of a Christian (although I believed in God) and I’m certain they would have preferred a different type of friend for you at that time. I’m pretty sure your dad was the example I needed and thankfully, I was able to be in your home enough to see what it meant to be a Christian. The lady got it right when she said he was beautiful.
skywhys July 6, 2016 at 11:44 am
Your comment brought tears to my eyes! Thank you for those lovely words.
Karolyn and David Rice February 25, 2017 at 2:53 pm
Hello Kathy,I’ve spent my morning going thru all you’re great posts of a amazing life. Thank you so much for sharing a lifetime of wonderful memories, some sad as life moves on. Much laughter and exciting times of growing up in Calif. along with all you’re travels, especially in ole Santa Clara where I grew up also. I went to Briarwood, Jefferson and Wilcox.Remembering band and Mr.Royer and the band uniforms we wore.Too cool! You’re experiences have brought back so many memories of myself growing up. Although we sold our family home of 50 years on 3443 Flora Vista in 2007 after my folks passing..the memories of our family life will forever remain a cherished memory close and near to our hearts. Sincerely, Karolyn Jean Terrell Rice