Grandparents, Family History Bridge Builders

Grandparents can be fantastic family history bridge builders. They are the bridge between the past with their own memories of their parents and grandparents to the future. The past can inform and shape the lives their children and grandchildren. Sharing memories of previous generations and remembered family experiences with younger generations solidifies the idea that young folks are a part of a unique family and not just individuals adrift in life.

For example, it has been important for me to know that two of my grandparents were immigrants to America in the early 1900’s, what my family went through in the Depression and World War II, how my parents met, and so forth. Their story is my history and has helped me put my life experiences and uncertainties in perspective. So, telling family stories can be very important to the formation of a young person’s view of life.

Hopefully, this bridge building through sharing the family history can influence younger generations to carefully consider life choice options that include faith and values. And, it is my hope that when my grandchildren are grandparents themselves, they can remember where they came from and pass that history on to their grandchildren.

I am a husband, a father, a grandfather, a church member, and a friend. My wife Jan and I have two daughters and four grandchildren. I started writing The Best Ideas I’ve Ever Heard (What I Want My Grandchildren to Know) the year my first three grandchildren were born, a month apart. I was looking for a legacy I could leave that would be useful to them. What resulted is a book of ideas and observations about life that should be useful to anyone. I present these ideas through a hundred short essays. More than anything, I argue that life is limited in time and space, so we should approach life’s journey thoughtfully and live our lives intentionally. I recommend having goals, seeking moral guidelines, and being kind to everyone we meet on this journey we call life.

The Best Ideas I’ve Ever Heard (What I Want My Grandchildren to Know) is available at Pathway Bookstore, Amazon, and B&N.com.

© 2023 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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