Memories cascaded throughout the service: sitting in the same church, same pew, with some of the same church family members. This time I was a pallbearer. The previous times I was a pallbearer and a family member.
Memories cascaded as I remembered a life well-lived: "Mrs. B" -- 99 years old when she died... a neighbor across our backyards... a teacher and role model in my elementary years... a mentor and friend as we both aged.
Memories cascaded.
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| Do you remember your teachers and mentors? (Photo: Mrs. Vi Bernard and Sr. Barbara, Madonna School teachers, mentors, and friends) |
As the Fall Season progresses, we celebrate many days of remembrance and thanksgiving: Día de los Muertos, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving -- to name a few. Days when memories cascade into every day lives.
How do we savor this journey when Past Overflows into Present Moments? Can we honor and learn from the Past as we are shaped by Futures Unknown?
These were my thoughts as I sat with friends and listened to the Story Lived by Mrs. Violet Bernard.
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| What have we learned from our parents and family? (Photo: Pat and Maury Gardepie, parents) |
Each of us has a story to explore, to learn from, and to share:
- How do I embrace My Story?
- Am I willing to share what I have learned and experienced?
- Do I listen to and honor Your Story?
And, in our mutual sharing, Our Story emerges!
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| How do you honor your heritage? (Photo: "Bud" and Marje Carroll, grandparents) |
Dialogue is about remembering... sharing... listening... honoring... and learning. The sharing of Me-with-Thee -- and Thee-with-Me -- creates a relationship that, when remembered, honors the Both-And of Past-and-Present. Dialogue also creates space for Present-and-Future: that is, if we choose to stay in relationship, Our Story can be written with all voices.
As memories cascade, let us hold as precious the gifts of family, friendship, and story.
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| Larry Gardepie
Dialogue San Diego Consulting
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