The connections between grandparents and grandchildren can be magical; and Lauren Grabois Fischer’s new book, Life, is a touching exploration about family traditions and experiences shared from generation to generation. The book considers the big ideas about life from both a grandparents’ and a child’s perspective, and demonstrates how much we have in common no matter our age or experience.
“We sang you from a wish, We sang you from a prayer.” With these heartfelt words in English and Plains Cree, Richard Van Camp begins ‘We Sang You Home’/’Ka Kîweh Nikâmôstamâtinân,’ a beautiful picture book tribute to parenting. The book is featured in the Caribu app as part of this week’s #CampCaribu Week 2 “Father Figures” summer reading.
On May 15, 2012, my grandfather’s service was held in a small funeral parlor in Tyler, Texas. At 87 years of age, he departed this world leaving behind his wife of 63 years, three children, and eight grandchildren. A post-WWII veteran, engineer, and family man, he lived his American Dream in East Texas.
Sheltering in place with your family means more opportunities to share meals, play games, and possibly drive each other a little batty. The extra hours of togetherness are also a good opportunity to collect oral histories. Whether you want to dive into family lore or record a snapshot of life in the era of COVID-19, there are several ways to set yourself up for sympathetic listening and enthusiastic sharing on all sides.