In mourning my Grandfather I also mourn the loss of some of these great tales. As I don't want the details of them to be lost, I'm starting a family heritage book (or binder really) to collect these family gems for my children and grandchildren to enjoy. I hope to add to it as time goes on and to do one for my husband's side as well.
I think it's important to know where and who you come from. This is a part of makes our identity. These stories tell us of lives that shouldn't lose meaning in the generations. Great Aunt Mahala or Great Uncle Neal shouldn't be forgotten to those who never had the privilege to meet them. We should preserve this because it is sacred. Not all have the privilege of knowing their history, so it is something to be valued and not taken for granted.
These collections of stories I hope are added by future genreations as well. I hope someday stories about Grandma Hannah and Grandpa Kai are added to the book. This is project that will take me some time to create. I want to interview some family members to hear even more stories. To me this is written treasure, something that can live on. It may be silly to think on that now but when I think how if I only I could hear my Grandfather tell me stories again, I see the importance.
What would you tell future generations? What would you hope they remember? What stories did you cherish as a child? Have you ever though of writing them down? You never know how valuable they could be.
I'm still compiling stories- I'll post a picture of the finished product soon!