Lasting Legacies Articles

Don’t Let Modesty Rob Your Family

As I talk with families in our community, I find that although families are eager to have their parents’ and grandparents’ stories preserved in writing, the elder generation is often reluctant.  “No one wants to read about that, ” they say.

Believe me, the people who love you do want to read about your life.    It is worth more than any material legacy you can leave. Tom Brokaw wrote that the sacrifice, selflessness, modesty, and achievements of the WWII generation made them “the greatest generation any society has ever produced.”   How ironic that modesty, one of very qualities that make this generation great, is the very thing that sometimes gets in the way of passing on the wisdom of a generation.

Don’t let your modesty rob your children and grandchildren of their heritage.    The stories that demonstrate the life lessons you’ve learned and the values you hold dear are a treasure that can enrich the lives of your loved ones for many years yet to come—if they’re written down.

Author: Linda A. Smith

04-04-2008

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