get to know my parents better

I think one of my favourite ways of getting to know my parents better is sitting on the front porch of our family house in North Carolina. It’s one of those porches that stretches around a good portion of the house, and where we spend much of our time when we’re up there, watching the rains roll in and out, watching the numerous birds that come to the feeders, and the chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits in the yard.

Ever since the house was built in 1900, it’s been a place where family has gathered and spent time together, and the front porch is the nexus of family storytelling, whether at a gathering of 100 relatives or simply myself and my mom or dad sitting out front, eating breakfast and sharing time.

This past two weeks there have provided a few opportunities to rehear some classic tales, and to hear some new ones.

So: Once my folks get their new house, I think my Dad and I are going to be starting a You Tube series. I’m very much looking forward to having a chance to collaborate with him on something like this. I can’t wait for my “off” time to start and for them to get settled into their new place – once they find one.

I wish I had gotten to know my Grandparents better. I remember them well enough, as they were all alive until I was a teenager, but I didn’t really get to know them as their own people rather than as my grandparents.

I’ve been beginning to get to know my parents better, but feel I have a long way to go. I want to have a better understanding of who they are, what’s shaped them, and where they’re wanting to go in life.

I’m not sure what a good milestone for this is.