Special Find

I just had to show a picture of the memory books I found in Denver at Barnes and Noble. You may have seen something similar before, but I found these to be very special and relatively inexpensive. These are hard back books for grandchildren from their grandmother or grandfather. I was drawn to them when I started reading the prompts the grandparent is to respond. However, I do have a dilemma with the books. Maybe you have a suggestion to handle this situation. I have already received some suggestions, but I can't see anyway around this, but to do one for each grandchild. Now, I am soon to have five grandchildren, and if you do the math on the books...one from grandpa and one from me for each child ....that is basically writing and scrap booking 10 books. My original thought was to do one for my oldest grandson who is old enough to really appreciate what will be written. I thought David should do one too. Okay, I can hear the bemoaning of partiality and unfairness. Of course both of our adult children would want each of their children to have one. Katie suggested one book from each of us to include all of the grandkids in one family, i.e. - one for Rudy's children and one for her children. The grandkids would not stand for that one...I can hear it...why didn't I get one. Anyway you look at it , much time and love will be involved. I suggested David do one for the oldest in Katie's family and I do one for the oldest in Rudy's family and pass it down...again, not fair. It is designed to be individualized. David said, " do one and use it for a guide to do something similar for each one". I think the books are too nice not to use the exact book...they are well done, and hard backed. Okay, we are probably just going to be busy and will be ordering more books. And, how many grandchildren do you think I may end up having?? Gee, this is looking overwhelming, but I believe it will be something to preserve memories of our life that will be cherished for years to come....do I live in a dream world? They really may not see the value of it today, but someday they will.....long after I have forgotten everything they wanted to know.

Now about the prompts - some of them go like this: Why did you decide to write this book for me? What's my heritage? How did you feel when I was born? Tell me about my great grandparents. Tell me about your grandparents. When you were a little girl - where did you live? What was your family life like? Who's the first president you remember? What were you like in high school? What was going on in the world? How did you meet my grandfather? And much, much more. There are many pages for pictures and comments. All of the book will make you stop and reflect on your life and maybe help your grandchild learn about your life in a way they may never be able to....maybe answer some questions that they may wonder about long after your gone.

This is the kind of thing I like to do and I am anxious to get started. Let me know what you think? Do I just have too much time on my hands? Don't think so. Have I inspired you to leave some memories for your grandchildren? I hope so.