Your Words - A Priceless Gift

American radio and television personality, Art Linkletter, made famous the phrase, "Kids say the darndest things."  That may be true, but after interviewing scores of people over the last few decades I can honestly state what we say as we get older truly ripens with age.

Experience, wisdom, humor and insight provide timeless (and yes, priceless) insight for generations to come.

I'm asked, "Why do people want to tell their stories?"  Surprisingly, it's not about fame or even being remembered for all time (though families will).  It's really about wanting to share memories and experiences and letting children and grandchildren for generations know what really mattered most to them. It's important to let others know despite difficulties they perservered and survived.  It's about giving advice and passing on values.

Here's a few that have offered to share...

Jim Jarding – "The Gift"...Be the best version of yourself

"I’m not going to look like Brad Pitt…though it’s been discussed…”


In 2011, my friend Jim Jarding was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and given two years to live.  

He wanted to share what he called “The Gift” with his kids for generations to come.  His doctor's prognosis was accurate.  He passed in 2013.  Jim may be gone, but not his "Gift" or his wry sense of humor.
 

 

Rita Fairfield – Seems like something comes up that you could say, woe is me… 

 

I suggested to my Aunt Rita that it was quite possible her next words would quite likely be heard by grandchildren 40 or 50 years in the future. 

Surprisingly, without a moments thought, she knew exactly what she wanted to say to them. Not surprisingly her belief becomes her truth. 

 


Theresa “Tuts” Lucking – I don’t profess to be a wise old owl…

 

Though she told me that she didn’t profess to be a wise old owl, 85 year old Tuts Lucking’s advice on keeping a marriage together for 60 years certainly beared otherwise.

From her kitchen table, this 'old owl' proved to be quite a hoot.

 

 

Gene Murphy – I don’t want to die, I don’t want to leave, yet…

 

As a young sergeant in 1969, Gene Murphy layed wounded and alone in the jungle of Vietnam.  He couldn’t feel his legs and could only wonder if this would be his last day on earth. 

With a few questions on his mortality, Gene fills us in on a conversation he had with his Maker about promises made and promises kept. 

 

Rich and Corrine Lingberg – Best friends for 50 years.

 

It’s been 13 years since I asked my folks how they felt about each other.  Dad has now been gone for five of those years.  To see his face and hear his voice is truly priceless.  

As always, their answers were to the point and spot-on true.