Memory Making Moments

Memory Making Moments

"School Days, School Days, Good old Golden Rule Days" is an old song and yet every year at this time the tune comes back to me.

After college, I taught school for most of my career. Summers became that time to kick back and relax. But when August rolled around, I started getting that, “Can’t wait to start school,” feeling, filled with anticipation and excitement. At 50 I attended graduate school during summer vacations and received my master’s degree in storytelling on my 56th birthday. It’s never too late to learn something new. In my sixties, I picked up a ukulele. I have not mastered it, by any means, but it is fun.

On a recent visit with my daughter, I decided to bring my ukulele and an extra one, just in case someone showed an interest. While playing a little camp song, “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More,” my grandchildren started singing along and Mariela, the 10-year-old, asked if she could play. I took out the extra ukulele and handed it to her.

“First,” I replied, “you need to learn two chords C and G7; with these two you can play several songs.” She said, “I don’t know about G7, my fingers can’t do that.” “Some chords are easier than others, but you will want to learn that one.” “Can I take the ukulele to my room? “ “Sure,” I agreed.

Shortly, she returned, “I think I have it, Grammy.” She played the song beautifully. She is a natural musician, she also understands that practice is necessary to learn new skills, and quitting isn’t an option.

Spending cherished moments with each one of my eight grandchildren brings me so much joy. Generation to generation, taking the time to listen and experiencing shared activities creates memories for both, another way to experience healthy living for the soul.

Recently we had a discussion about learning.

Grammy: Were you surprised when I brought the ukuleles to your house?

Mariela: Yes, I had never seen one in person.

Grammy: How did you feel about playing it?

Mariela: I wasn’t quite sure, but I knew if I worked hard I could probably do it.

Grammy: Do you think having piano lessons helped you feel more confident about learning another instrument?

Mariela: Yes, the lessons let me know I can actually learn a new instrument.

Grammy: Do you think it was easier for children of my generation to learn things than it is for your generation?

Mariela: I think it was probably easier for them because they were used to doing different things and had the patience for it.

Grammy: Without as many distractions, like computer games and shows?

Mariela: Yes.

Grammy: I believe you have inherited talents and an interest in singing and acting from your mother and me. Do you?

Mariela: I never thought about it, but maybe there is something to that.

Cheryl Floyd, Speaker/Storyteller and Heal your Life® Coach. Cheryl Floyd is a graduate of East Tennessee State University’s Master Storytelling program. Her career includes over thirty years in education, publishing, life coaching, public speaking, and storytelling. www.cherylfloyd.com