Discover how a simple tool, a cherished heirloom, or a handed-down objects can bridge the gap between generations, forging stories that become life-enriching treasures.
Join Karen Ray as she delves into the connections between past and present, exploring the power of legacy through storytelling. Here, every scratch, dent, and worn edge opens the door to a rich history waiting to be shared.
In my grandparents’ era, the question of whether to repair or replace an item was irrelevant. Repair was usually the only option. So, when faced with a broken hoe, I let my brain do a little time-traveling and decided to make the repair, just like Grandpa would have done.
I dug through my beat-up toolbox for the needed parts, searching for just the right tools in my odd collection gleaned from extras belonging to the men in my family. I have a nostalgic streak a mile wide and cherish the strong cords of connection tying together present and past generations. Working with objects that have a history is satisfying, and I love thinking about the hands that used them to keep home, farm, wagons, or autos running smoothly.
Finally, I chose my favorite hammer, inherited from my dad, who received it from his dad. Grandpa’s hammer has a worn, ash handle, the grain smooth from 70 years of use and spotted with colorful paint and nicks from a lifetime of projects. I love how he’d used a bent horseshoe nail to tighten the head to the handle.
Repairing the hoe required a dusty rummage through Grandpa’s collection of assorted hardware. With just the right salvaged bolt in hand, I was ready to begin. Along with his hammer, Grandpa passed down the importance of having the right tools for a job. I thought of the finely crafted dairy barn his father had built with hand tools in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I wonder if that was the first time this hammer had been put to work.
Sharing Stories, Preserving Histories
The beginning of my desire to help others share their stories dates back to sitting in that barn’s long abandoned hayloft one summer day. Dust motes danced in the warm sun, slanting through the window. Leaning against a fragrant stack of hay, I turned the faded pages of my great-grandfather’s carefully written logbook, feeling the power of his story and our connected history. That little leather-bound book was lost along the way, but the memories are mine forever. And every time I pick up that hammer to hang a photo or make a repair, I can almost smell the hay and hear the clinking of a milk pail.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed hearing the backstories of others’ treasured objects as well. One friend urged, “Ask Grandma about the rolling pin.” As I recorded the oral history of this great natural storyteller, she traced this simple object’s story through her family tree, exploring its power to both anchor and connect her family history. Grandma’s rolling pin had a legacy all its own, and her family loved to hear it.
The rolling pin started as a wedding gift many generations ago, prior to the Civil War. Lovingly passed down, along with a tradition of pie making and biscuit rolling, it touches the heartstrings of all in the family. It connects them. It isn’t just a chunk of hardwood; it is the memories of family gatherings, joyful times celebrated, and grief shared. It is the connecting piece, witnessing future hopes as little hands are coached on how to roll out pastry evenly and as new grandchildren are bounced on knees over a piece of after-dinner pie. The pin sits in testimony to the love and resilience of family.
How about you? Do you have or remember an object that rises to the top of your memory and shouts, “Tell my story!”? If you can, hold it, look at it, and really notice the details. Trace the origins of the people who have cherished it before you and open your eyes to the nuances of your history. Write about the strong cords of the storyline, and you’ll have your own mini-memoir.
Do you have, or remember, an object that rises to the top of your memory and shouts, “Tell my story!”? If you can, hold it, look at it, and really notice the details.
As I finished the hoe repair and replaced the hammer, I said a hearty thanks to Grandpa and all those who took time to show me how to use tools and shared stories of how to be resilient and resourceful. I’m determined to pass both along to the next generation—mentoring with purpose and weaving together the connecting cords.
Meet Karen Ray
Karen Ray is a writer, editor, and memoir coach who enjoys honoring lives by helping others develop their memoirs.
Traveling back roads, collecting rust, dust, and the histories of lesser known people and places is one of her biggest thrills.
The owner of Remembering the Time personal history service, she can be reached at www.rememberingthetime.net or through social media @rememberingthetime.
She runs a Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/familyhistoryandmemoirwritersfellowship.
READ ANOTHER STORY |
Touching story of human kindness. On a bus from Phoenix to LA a woman hands over her last forty dollars. But that wasn't the end of her story...
Very touching story. Beautifully illustrates the impact of cherished memories and family wisdom! Heartfelt piece indeed – thanks for sharing.
I loved reading this story! It elicits such lovely memories of the things I have inherited and hop to pass along to my own kids.
This is beautifully written story! It really makes you appreciate the items that have been passed through generations.
Interesting and inspiring story, it’s very nice to write memories and read them in the future. Love your post.
I’m a ghostwriter, so a lot of what you talk about here really resonates. I also enjoy writing memories.
Beautifully presented! I felt connected to this article as I can appreciate the connection associated with well-loved items and passing them along with the stories.
I can relate to this so much — the things that were kept for so long, and things that are no longer passed along. It is a very different time now.