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Who
is your mother?
There are dozens of books on the
shelves that seek to define, smooth and enhance the relationship
we have with our mother. Many
cite it as the most important and yet most mysterious bond
we will ever experience. There is no one
else on the planet who carried you inside her. For those
who never knew their biological mothers, the bond with the
woman who nurtured them is equally perplexing and rewarding.
But
how well do you know this woman? Have you
ever interviewed her to discover what makes her tick? She
may be as ever-present as the furniture or your siblings,
but she's an individual in her own right and you might be
amazed what you'll discover if you explore her further.
Getting
Started
Genealogists know that there are
gems to be unearthed in talking to family members about
their memories and the things only they know about family
connections. You can check on
Genealogy.com for advice, or on Amazon.com and other
book sites to find books that will give you great questions
to ask your mom -- and who knows, you may
find yourself hooked and start interviewing other family
members, too.
Springboard
Questions
Try some of these questions on
your mother, and let the conversation lead you down paths
of discovery. Each one will
expose a facet of her personality and background that may
be news to you.
- What is your very
first memory?
- Who was your first "best
friend" -- any why?
- Did you have any
nicknames when you were growing up?
How did they come about?
- What was the
hardest thing for you to go through
as you were growing up?
- Tell me your happiest
memory.
- What was your first
thought when you saw me?
- Why did you name
me what you did?
- What have I done that surprised
you most?
- What did you want
to be when you grew up?
- Do you have a
dream I can help you fulfill?
Timing
is Everything
Questions like these are like a
luscious dessert -- they take time to prepare, and need
to be savored. They're not the kind of things you just blurt
out over the cell phone while shopping at Wal-Mart. Make
a special time to spend with Mom and enjoy the stories she
tells. This is the best gift you could ever
give her, on Mothers Day or any day.
You
may want to tape record the conversation
for your siblings or even your own children to enjoy some
day. Don't tape without your mother knowing it, of course.
Just set up the recorder in an unobtrusive place in the
room, settle back with some coffee or iced tea, and forget
the machine is there.
If you think you know your mother
inside and out, be prepared to be surprised! Make
a project of getting to know her this year. It is a gift
you'll both enjoy.
Happy
Mothers Day! |
