52 Projects

Project #51

Ask your Grandparents to tell you some stories. Make sure to document these stories, either in writing, or on a digital audio or video file.

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My Grandma Latva, whom have corresponded though letters my whole life, and I have not seen each other in years. My wedding was the last time I saw her and anyone who is married knows that your wedding is not really a time for you catch up with people you haven't seen for a long time. The last time I went to visit her I was 18, I believe. I have always loved her dearly and have a ton in common with her. It has always been hard on me that we have never lived near enough to see one another.

Then I got to thinking about it and realized that my grandparents are getting older and will one day not be here any more. It is a strange realization when this finally crosses your mind. I asked her in one of my letters if she could send me some stories from her childhood. Not long after, I received a package with a book of 365 questions about your childhood completely filled out. She said that she had made it for her daughter, my aunt, that passed away and that I could have it. "I hope it answers some of your questions," she said in her letter. It was amazing to read and I feel like I know her so much more now.

Here are a few of my favorites:

What was the dumbest stunt ever pulled by you and a brother and sister? "Riding on the handlebars of a bicycle and falling and cutting my mouth with my teeth. - Donald did this to me."

"I was nine years old when the World War II started. I remember the Pearl Harbor bombing by the Japanese. I ran outside expecting to see airplanes carrying bombs."

and

"My first kiss was from Benny Brown at a birthday party. We were playing 'spin the bottle.' I nearly died of embarrassment. Besides, I didn't like Benny - he was mean! (I was nice!)."