What are stories but remembrances of events. One important element to being a collector of Familylore is to recognize that there are stories that may be painful to remember.
Living so close to Quebec I cannot help thinking about those who lost their daughter, sister, colleague, friend on December 6th at Montreal's EcolePolytechnique. In 1989 a man gunned down 14 women Montreal's Ecolepolytechnique. He had left a letter that explained his reasons, they were women.
It is important to help others keep these stories from becoming invisible. A scan of newspapers and sites brought little to bear regarding this historical and horrible part of our history. I was especially disappointed with the Status of Women Canada site that had a few paragraphs and little else. There was a time when this site had everything a community needed to mark this "National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women In Canada".
Collecting Familore can be an adventure. Every family has its own way of doing things. The way they share their memories, the times at which they tell these memories. Styles may vary but the sharing most often takes place in a time of celebration, a time when members of the family, friends come together.
If you were to select a time for collecting, the Festive Season would be a wonderful choice. It has a unifying thread running through it. Family members and friends make a special effort to be together. Time itself becomes more fluid and we give ourselves permission to relish in each others company.
Remembrances, memories, shared experiences become the reason for being together. The cost is minimal and it may enhance your holidays in ways you cannot imagine. Whether you invite family and friends to your place or you go to theirs, you can be the collector. There is a magical atmosphere attached to the holiday season. We feel a connection to our past that often is forgotten the rest of the year. The coming ofthe New Year looms heavy on our conciousness. Hopes, dreams, fears and joys remain closer to the surface. Make space in your activities to encourage the telling. Remember to value the stories shared, they are pieces of the puzzle that is your Familore.
