This year on Veteran's Day, I'm particularly reflective about my father. He passed away a few years ago and one of my greatest regrets was that I never pressed him for stories about his experiences during World War II.
He was only eighteen when my grandparents encouraged him to enlist in the army to discourage him from entering the priesthood. He spent the majority of his time during the war in the Philippines. The only story he shared was about hiding in a palm tree for days while the enemy marched below.
I missed a golden opportunity for the untold stories he must have had tucked away.
If you have a veteran or any tribe elder still in your life, don't make the mistake I did.
Ask them for their stories.
You're right! Imagine the wealth of story possibilities he had tucked away...
ReplyDeleteHowever, you need to search your memories too... you may have forgotten some stories/anecdotes that he may have shared over the years...?
Great suggestion, Michelle. I put my brother on the case as well.
DeleteWe tend not to think about things like that until it's too late to ask.
ReplyDeleteThe wanted him to go into the service and to war rather than priesthood? Interesting.
Hey, Alex. My grandparents were quirky to say the least.
DeleteAlthough if you think about it, that was already a pretty good, original story right there.
ReplyDeleteHey, Tony - true!
DeleteAmen! We did just that, and Grandpa had a goldmine of them to share. (He spent most his time in the Philippines too.)
ReplyDeleteHi, Crystal. You were so smart to do that.
DeleteGrandma had been trying to get him to tell his stories for years. It really was her idea--and it took us until he was 97 to do it!
DeleteI'm so sorry your opportunity has passed. I'm sure he had many amazing stories to tell.
So true, Leslie. Someone did have my grandma write her story down on paper in her own writing before she passed away. I'm thankful for that.
ReplyDeleteHey, Jules. I've asked my mom to do that. She's not exactly cooperative.
DeleteMy father was born right after WW2, but my FIL was a child in East Prussia during that time. I've heard some stories from them both.
ReplyDeleteMy parents grew up carrying gas masks to school. Some incredible stories from them. Must have been a terrifying time
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ReplyDelete