MY FAMILY CULTURE
Never in a million years would I imagine having to go through a major catastrophe such as what has been described during this week's blog assignment. However, there have been many people and families that have experienced this situation of being displaced and having to start all over. The three items that would be near to my heart that would represent my family culture would be as follows:
- The first item I would grab would be my scrap book of all our family photos. Within this book would be all of our family pictures that would represent my family heritage. This scrap book would include pictures of family members from my maternal and paternal side of the family.
- The next item for me would be my "bible" that was given to me by my mother over some 30 plus years ago.
- The next item would be my grandmother's wedding ring that was given to me by my dad. It represents her legacy, as I did not have the opportunity to meet her. She passed away before I was born and since I was the only daughter on my father's side this was passed down to me.
My feelings would be very emotional if I had to choose only one of the items. All would be hard to leave behind as each one represents a part of my life and culture. My pictures would help me be reminded of the images and faces of family members that are a part of our family. My bible would represent my faith walk. And, my grandmother's piece of jewelry would help remember who she is.
As a result of this exercise, I have been reminded of just how precious life is and at one drop of a dime life can be interrupted with a catastrophe. However, through the years and with the encouragement of many strong men and women, I have been given the gift of "faith" and hope in Christ. This experience for me and my family has been our cultural experience that has been handed down from many generations. I realize that not all people and cultures practice my religion, but this is my cultural experience that makes me unique and different from others.
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteIt was great to see what you value and keep so close to your heart. Keeping your faith close to you is something that I too see important. Staying true to who you are and what you believe in can never be taken away and that is something that feel special to me.
When I did this assignment I think I went a little too over board into survival mode. I chose items that would protect and help my family stay alive in a world that we knew nothing about. If I were to go back and do this assignment again I too would take my family photo album, precious family jewelry, and my husbands military accomplishments (his patches and awards.) These are things that I see everyday be it on the wall or in my jewelry box that I am thankful for and hold dearly to my heart.
Thank you for sharing!
Hi Barbara,
ReplyDeleteI found this assignment to be humbling, as I feel you probably did too. I also have not had to experience anything like this, but the exercise put a lot into perspective for me. I love to hear what others hold so near and dear to them. I also mentioned family photos and the Bible. I enjoyed hearing about a piece of important jewelry that has been handed down in your family. To my knowledge we don't have anything like that so I am always intrigued when others do. Thanks for sharing your perspectives and thoughts!
Barbara,
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! I especially like your humble approach to the assignment in that you talk about how you would share your treasured item's significance with those that were willing to hear it. I did not think of this, but it is an interesting idea and one that I now think would be important. Thanks for showing us the side of humanity that thinks of others and their feelings.
Kenny Prowse