The last word in an argument, which in hindsight has little importance, and never having the last word may be equally unimportant. Perhaps we should consider the last word before we pass on to another life.
Realistically, if we die from illness, or old age we rarely have a last word. What would it be like if we wanted to utter our last words to loved ones and they were not able to be present. Perhaps no one is there. This means that your final last words may not be heard.
Although we would like to tell our loved ones how much we love them, who can have the ancient family jewellery, make sure you drink all the wine in the cellar (especially the Grange) and eat all the chocolate left in the cupboards. Oh, and don't forget to feed Mowser the cat, Woof the dog and Whinny the horse.
Our final words are important but of equal importance is to share and communicate how we have lived our lives.
Not only how we have lived our lives but also ,our experiences, adventures and personal history we have lived. All simply because we are human beings on this wonderful planet Earth.
It does not matter if we have lived in capitalist or non-capitalist countries whether they be rich or poor, in the East or West or of various cultures or faiths. How we lived or are living our lives can teach those who follow us on their path. As individuals and as a collective we all live wonderful and interesting lives. Moreover, we have all lived through history of our planet, nation, cities and, family. It all has a place in the future.
Yesterday a former Prime Minister of Australia, died. The Right Honourable Gough Whitlam. Love or hate him, he, as all of us, played a significent role in many other lives.
During my time I have seen 14 Australian Prime Ministers as head of our nation. For a while I lived in Australia's capital, Canberra, and have three times met Julia Gillard, the first Female Australian Prime Minister. I have also met high court judges, politicians, writers, artists and performers. But most of all, I have met many of my fellow Australians simply in the street. As them, I am a part of the mob, simply another Aussie.
I have seen my city, nation and other countries pass through both wonderful and horrific events. I have seen those I love pass through distressing and very difficult times. I have seen people pass on to new lives and I have seen the wonderful newness of babies and children being educated and become productive adults.
But you know what folks?
I have never documented, written down or passed on not so much the story of my life, but rather, how my life was lived. I have never had the last word that tells my story. I will...soon.
Documenting our stories about how we lived our lives and the people who passed by us, simply on the street or at a party, the meaningfulness, the lessons that may be taught must be passed on. Not only that, but what is also important, if not valuable, is to leave pictorial images of where we lived.
As some of you may know, I tend to move around a little looking for the perfect place and I am now living in the Australian bush, on a country property. I went for a walk this afternoon and below, is one of the ponds at the bottom of the garden. It is very beautiful and it says so much about me (peace, tranquility and open space). The thing is, if I do not include some photos in the story of my life, my great great great grand kids may not have any idea where I lived actually looked like! Mind you in 100 - 200 years, this pond could become a shopping mall. An example, the pyramids in Egypt used to be a long bus ride from the city of Cairo, and now those same pyramids are on the outer suburbs.
I not only say that our stories must be passed on, but they must be passed on in both digital and paper format.
Sure, write it using a computer or some other digital device, but by printing it out is is there. Digital technologies and software become upgraded and new versions made available however in 40 years time I would be very surprised if your story written and placed exclusively in the digital format will not survive as long as paper records.
So, how do I start practising what I preach?
Rather, how do WE start?
I bought an inexpensive large spiral bound notebook the other day and in my notebook I am going to begin by writing down things from my childhood, what my mother and father was like and what I remember of my childhood. Writing things down help us to remember.
The things I am writing down are simply random thoughts about my mother, what she was like, what she said, how she did things, how she cooked..what she cooked...I remember those wonderful Sunday roast dinners. On Sunday mornings my sister and myself had to dress up in our pretty lace dresses (mine was lemon) and ribbons and go to Sunday school that was held in church hall. While I was in the littlies class my sister was in the bigger class...and mum and dad were in the church. I remember when I graduated to the big kids class I was given a celebration bible...still have it...and it has a bookplate that is fancy and dated. I love my bible, just because it is.
After church, we came home, us kids changed into our play clothes and mum cooked a lamb roast for midday dinner. This was our routine every Sunday. Thinking now, mum had long hair that was platted across her head.
See what I mean? As I am writing things about my Sunday as a kid, I have remembered the colour of my best dress and the ribbons, my bible and, the fact that mum had platted hair across her head.
Now folks, if you start writing things down like this...in any order, you will be amazed what you remember. Documenting things can help you in difficult times. For example, when a loved one passes on, by writing what you remember will be healing and ease the pain in your heart. Besides, by the time you are 80, think of the wonderful book you can read! All about your life that may have been forgotten!
By remembering and documenting some previously unforgotten things, your future descendants will find it interesting and may even help them see their place and how they belong in the family. It will also provide a sense of how society and your city and country was 'back in the day'.
All of this is absolutely invaluable to your family history and, you.
Once we leave our life with our stories and family histories untold, they are gone forever!
Don't Pass With Your Last Words Unspoken
YOUR BOOK - YOUR LIFE
BOTH ARE OF IMMENSE VALUE
Verde
