Creating a Family Treasure Part 2

At some point Shellie posted an easy way to write and leave a legacy poem. I remembered I had done this back in 2012, so I dug it up to read again. I thought I would share mine with you as well and encourage you to write your own. 

This template is so easy to follow and fun to do and, if you have no writing background, absolutely zero, you can still create a legacy poem that will bring tears to the eyes of your relatives. I know—that is a lofty goal, but it’s true. I love this template so much. Somehow it makes you think and brings the memories of your childhood flooding back. 

Shellie put the link to the template in her post, but I thought I would just go ahead and put it here for you. This would be an amazing gift for Christmas, printed and framed for your family. It’s so easy today to create something beautiful with words, we should all take advantage of it. I have another project I am working on for my kids for this Christmas, but on the off chance that they will see this post, I’ll wait until after Christmas to share. 

Hugs, Chrys

Here’s the template, copied straight from internet. There are several sites that post it. 

I am from ________(specific ordinary item), from ________(product name) and ____________. I am from the _______ (home description… adjective, adjective, sensory detail). I am from the _______ (plant, flower, natural item), the _______ (plant, flower, natural detail) I am from _______ (family tradition) and _______ (family trait), from _______ (name of family member) and _______ (another family name) and _______ (family name). I am from the _______ (description of family tendency) and _______ (another one). From _______ (something you were told as a child) and _______ (another). I am from (representation of religion, or lack of it). Further description. I’m from _______ (place of birth and family ancestry), _______ (two food items representing your family). From the _______ (specific family story about a specific person and detail), the _______ (another detail, and the _______ (another detail about another family member). I am from _______ (location of family pictures, mementos, archives and several more lines indicating their worth).

Here’s mine. 

Where I’m From-Chrys Howard 2012

I am from the strong wind of the Oklahoma plains, the Wizard of Oz, Chatty Cathy, and Hula Hoops whirling around my waist.

I am from the dividing line between the boy’s room and the girl’s room, the interrupting sound of an attic fan and kids saying “I’m next” outside the bathroom door.

I am from the pine tree, mama’s rose bush, and the corn field decorating the backyard.

I am from Thanksgiving family reunions and loud laughter and kids outnumbering adults, from lots of Shackelford’s and Durham’s. Funny Uncles and strong, accomplished aunts and I’m from the sad days in Dallas the Thanksgiving of 1963.

I am from fierce workers, faith followers and family lovers. From ”If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” and ”Pretty is as pretty does.”

I am from Acapella singing, Grandma’s soft alto voice, pot luck dinners, and small churches with big hearts.

I’m from the Trail of Tears and the Cane River, from Indian blood and Southern Comfort, home-cooked meals, fried okra, ham, biscuits with syrup and washing dishes by hand.

From the man who brought strangers home for dinner, picked up hitch hikers and whose hugs comforted like a tall glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day. 

From the woman who loved her man first, then her children, who instinctively knew children need a mom, not a friend. 

From the tiny Choctaw grandmother whose stubbornness, sense of humor, and true grit 

raised seven great examples for young eyes to follow.

I am from film left in desk drawers, cherished black and white photographs tucked away in shoeboxes, 

8 millimeter movies that keep six silly children and two happy parents forever young.

I am from drive-in movies and from records spinning Andy William’s tunes while mama sings from the kitchen.

From eight track tapes, boyfriends, and riding in a yellow Volkswagen beetle with too many teenagers. 

I am from cassettes of James Taylor and Crosby, Stills and Nash, and wishing I could sing like Barbara Streisand. I am from a place that makes me smile every time I remember any tiny bit of it.