If anyone has realized this lately, it would be me. Life can vanish from those we love in an instant or a slow in an exhausting length of time for family members. Don’t let time go by without getting answers to questions you may have, and be able to really connect by asking the questions that honestly matter.
Take your parents, or grandparents out to lunch, for coffee, or even through an internet chat. Get together as often as you can. Set the date an be there. Be there with your questions but really listen to the answers. Cherish them and pass them down to your kids, your relatives, and just as beautiful stories from the past being re-birthed today. Enjoy the moment and remember the feeling, smiles, wrinkles in the corner of their eyes, and just the feeling of warmth.
Find your own questions, but here are a few to give you a small boost:
What brought you the most joy being a parent? What was easy, and what was hard? Was there any memory that stands out as your best?
What was the most exciting and exhilarating thing you have ever done and why?
What was your happiest moment, and what made it so special? What was your hardest moment, and how did you overcome it?
Describe the best thing life taught you.
What was the one book that brought your thoughts alive? How did it impact you?
Who was your secret crush?
If you could talk to your 18-year-old self, what would you say and why?
What is the craziest thing that you ever did? Were you alone or with someone else? What was behind the reason to do it?
Who were your best friends and where are they now?
What was your first job and where was it? How much did it pay?
Did you have someone to seek comforting advice? Who was it and why?
Were you close to your grandparents? What were some of the things that you did with them, and what was the most treasured?
What legacy do you feel you have that will leave a lasting impact on the world, and to those who are close to you?
What is your favorite color, flower, song, and season?
How did your faith determine your decision making if at all and why?
What was the first movie you saw, and who did you see at your first concert or performance?
Did you have pets?
What was your favorite vacation location and why? Did you meet people and stay in contact with them?
What is a perfect day for you?
What advice can you give me for an amazing relationship?
There are so many questions that you can ask but again maybe these can jump-start a few for you. Cherish the answers and keep them alive. Remember life is short and enjoy the moments now.