THAT'S NOT THE WAY I REMEMBER IT!

     Have you ever gone to a family gathering and someone began a conversation about some event or person in the family's past.  As the story progressed you start to wonder if you were in the same family!  Your first instinct is to jump in and say, "no it happened this way."  but you don't because you realize that if ten people were watching a baseball game they would all see it a little differently.  So, what to do?  You write it the way you remember it.  Aunt Helen can write her own memoir.d

     William Zinsser in his book, "Writing About Your Life."(Published by De Capo Press, 2001, ISBN-978-1-56924-379-4) gives advice on writing about family.  "first of all be compassionate, but be true to your culture.  Have the courage to tell the story as only you can tell it."
     A great example of a memoir that treats the family with love and grace is Frank McCourt's "Angela's Ashes."  I would find it difficult to teach a class about writing family memoirs without this exceptional book. If any writer had reason to feel bitterness about his family it is Frank McCourt. Growing up in abject poverty in Limerick, Ireland, he could have written  a dark, sinister story of his parents who probably could have done better by their children, but he chose to write a survival story of love and endurance. 
     ZINSSER SUGGESTS YOU GET YOUR INTENTION CLEAR BEFORE YOU START AND TELL YOUR STORY WITH INTEGRITY.

                                        MR. SCOTT COMES A'COURTING
                                     (From "Trunk Tales' by Darlene Eichler)

     My Aunt Pearl was a spinster.  In impolite terms, or as my mother said, she was an 'old maid.'  She was a single lady who was getting on in years.  But she did have a gentleman friend; Mr. Sam Scott.  As far as I can remember they never went out on a date, just kept company in the parlor.
     Mr. Scott did no have a car.  He walked miles every Sunday in a suit and tie, when the weather permitted, to see Aunt Pearl.  they spent their time together in the nicest room in the house.  The parlor existed for special company, for playing the piano, and a viewing room when a family member passed away.  the floor was covered with an Oriental type rug; lace panels hung t the windows and crocheted doilies covered the backs of the settee, chairs and at the tops of the tables.  Several nick knacks sat on the mantle and piano.  Today I have in my possession a piece of Carnival glass that made its home on the piano.
     the parlor was off limits when Mr. Scott and Aunt Pearl were in there.  I could not understand why they would not want the pleasure of my company!  After all my aunt doted on me at other times.  it was explained to me that they wanted to be alone.  I was always glad when Mr. Scott went home...to be continued in part 2.

Comments are encouraged.