Postscript to the Long Ago Love Story

Postscript~

Two days ago my blog was about my mother-in-law being an English war bride from World War II, and how I documented my in-laws courtship in a photo book. I felt it was important that my grandkids know the story (and ALL the stories) of their great-grandparents' tale of love from a world war.

But I need to add this, as it's very important. Four years ago, my sister-in-law took her mother back to England. She documented that sweet trip in another photo book...again for our children and grandchildren and nieces and nephews. I can't stress enough the importance of telling these stories.

But there's an added blessing in doing so. Several years ago, I attended a writing institute, and they had a saying in that workshop, "How can I know what I think until I see what I've written." As my sister-in-law created the book to document their trip, she gained new insights as to the trip's real meaning. Here...I'll let her tell you in her own words:

My sister-in-law's book for her mother.

A look inside her sweet book...

From Donna~

Four years ago I took a trip that changed my life. I took my mother to England to meet and visit with family. I met sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, second cousins, aunts, and so many others. But the person I truly enjoyed meeting the most was my mother. Yes, my mother. As she used to be. I saw her in a whole new light; I understood her more than I ever thought possible, and I loved her so much more deeply and honestly. I walked the paths she walked as a child, I visited childhood homes and cemeteries where most of her family is now. I saw the places my dad rode on his bike everyday as he was stationed there during the war. On a beautiful Sunday morning, I stood by my mother in the church where she and dad were married so long ago.Through her eyes I saw that sixteen-year-old English lass about to embark on a great adventure. Coming to America and eventually home to Texas.

Two months after that trip, my dad passed away. I understood my mother's deep loneliness because I had been there in that little English village...in that beautiful country church. I had seen where their love came from, and I understood.

I saw all the sights of London, and some beautiful English countryside, and I made a lot of memories, but seeing my mom's memories through her eyes completely made the trip.

Two devoted sisters wading in an English stream so long ago.

The same sisters being reunited once again.

The guest writer (my sister-in-law) in the kitchen with Aunt Myrtle.

Another look inside the photo book.

Aw.......yes! Still a spirited young girl!

Tell those family stories!

You'll be so glad you did. And it's not just a matter of documenting family trips, reunions, and celebrations, you'll gain new insights about yourself. That's an added plus.

Since this is a blog for grandparents, I know most of my readers are around my age. The time to tell those family stories (and YOUR STORY) is NOW!