A Little Immortality

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In River I've caught glimpses of my own father, Jo's father and other family members both still with us and some long departed. Mannerisms, gestures, etc. It's a kind of magic when you catch these little moments. It's also a reminder that as a parent you are a custodian of family history. Not just knowledge of the family tree but the little stories and the life lessons that accompany them. I'll do my best to pass on all that I can remember and I'm sure that Jo will as well. Perhaps in the future when River is faced with a dilemma, she will remember past family experiences as they were told to her and they will keep her safe and happy and well. A little light to shine along her path.
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On Father's Day I find myself remembering those stories and lessons. I remember mannerisms and gestures. I'm seeing things from their perspective now and painfully aware that I've often been too critical with those who have loved and protected me. I hope I can do half as well as my father, my grandfather and uncle. So far, River has been easy on me. But then again, she is better than me. She is the best of me. She is her own little person and, in a way, a little bit of everyone who helped raise me.
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