Been doing some detective work these days. Me and Jessica Fletcher. Occasionally, I do something right. Over the years, I've asked my parents to talk about their lives; either on tape or in letters. I also hada wonderful correspondence for a while with my Father's younger brother, who had a rich memory and was more than happy to share it. Now, they're all gone. But my letters and notes aren't, and I've been gathering them together. Some of the remembrances that I've kept filed away are revelations to me now.
My Father was of the old school of "don't talk and they won't catch you." Actually, that school is still in session, with new people matriculating every day. It took writing to my Uncle, and talking to the next door neighbor of my Father when he was growing up to piece together at least some of who my Father was.

What I'm wondering is, have any of you collected family memories? Is everyone gone? If not, it's never too late. My Mother told me something very close to her last day which wasn't kept as an intentional secret, but explained a lot to me about my father. Sometimes, the most important things are those that are left unsaid.

I continue to write... reaching 100 pages now. It's a fascinating process, and one I'd encourage others to try at some point. Much to my surprise, I am coming to know my Father and Mother better, even though they've passed away. The memories have a life of their own.
And, I'm learning more about myself, which is probably the most valuable benefit of writing.

So,any of you people keeping memories? Or collecting them?

Back in 1975, I wrote a song for my father. I'd almost forgotten it, because it's a song I never sing. I wrote it at a time when my father and I didn't quite know what to do with each other. We'd been at loggerheads for most of our lives up until that point, and we had reached a state of peace, if not understanding.

One of the verses is a bit of good advice that I gave to myself, and took:

"So many times, I know you tried to tell him
And even though you never found the way
Someday you'll find that there are no more tomorrows
So don't let your chances slip away"

                                           from Long, Lonely Nights

Jerry