My grandmother collected a lot of things. Boxes of newspaper clippings, photo albums of Polaroids, folders of sheet music, and Rolodexes of recipes. I never realized how much stuff my grandmother had until she died last August and we needed to clean out her house. Beyond that, dealing with some of these things, I realized how little I actually knew about her.
I'm extremely fortunate which i have 21 years price of memories with my grandmother, full of laughter and long conversations. As i was extremely close with her, I find myself wanting to know more about the life I discovered in those boxes she left out. Here are some of the things I think we should ask our grandparents sooner, rather than later.
1. What they were like when they were our age.
The world would be a hell of a lot different when our grandparents were 20-somethings and the best way to learn about it is to inquire about them. Maybe you'll discover some similarities. Or possibly you'll just hear some crazy stories. Either way, I'm sure they'll be happy to discuss “the good old days.”
2. What your folks were like when they were our age.
I always wonder if my parents and I could be friends if we went to college together. This can be a great way to find out about all the stupid things they did once they were our age. And extremely, this can only help you. Because when your parents reprimand you for screwing up, you could remind them of that time they were given caught doing the same thing-or a whole lot worse.
3. Love advice.
Love and marriage meant something entirely dissimilar to older generations, during a time where people married young and stayed together. You’ll probably have more traditional, conservative advice, but statistics reveal that fewer people broke up back them. They have to have been doing something right.
4. Their biggest regret.
While I don't think anyone likes taking into consideration the “what-if's” of life, our grandparents might welcome the opportunity to reflect and provide some valuable life lessons. This question, regardless of the answer, will give you advisable of how they've lived their lives as much as this point. Maybe it'll even help you avoid certain mistakes down the road.
5. The key to happiness.
They've grown up, worked hard, fallen in love (maybe multiple times), and raised a family. Now, they're retired and also have the time to do the things they truly enjoy. Somewhere along that journey, they probably came across something that made them truly happy. Question them about the things that have brought them joy.
The best conversations I had with my grandmother were in the end played cards. I'll remember the time she admitted that she almost eloped with a man which was not my grandfather. (After which joked about how if she'd, I wouldn't exist). So next family gathering, start a conversation with one of your grandparents. You never know what you'll find out.
