My dear friend, Marty Groethe, often inspires me with his weekly blog, which you can subscribe to at www.drmardy.com. Marty has spent much of his life collecting and publishing books of quotes, and each blog post he writes revolves around a theme. This week’s theme was “giving.”
Isabel Allende once wrote: “Give, give, give—what is the point of having experience, knowledge, or talent if I don't give it away? Of having stories if I don't tell them to others? Of having wealth if I don't share it?”
Few of us may have great wealth to give, but every one of us has experience, knowledge, and talent to share. Reading Allende’s words helped me recognize why I devote so much time to collecting and preserving our family history. At times, it feels like an act of ego, and I’ve often asked myself:
- Who am I to celebrate the richness of my family’s story?
- Are my parents, my siblings, and I really such a big deal?
- And most of all: Who will care to read or listen to it?
My answer? Because by preserving the past, I gain confidence and gratitude.
Confidence, because even in a world of 9 billion people and countless generations, our McCarthy family is unique.
Gratitude, because every memento, photo, and story remind me that I come from significance.
What significance lies in your family’s history? Like me, you might not have war heroes, famous ancestors, or billionaires in your lineage. Yet no family is without its fascinating stories.
When my mom moved into assisted living, my sister Kathie shared a collection of interview questions and answers she’d gathered from Mom over the years. That project became the foundation of a 110-page memoir. After Mom’s passing, we turned it into a book, pairing her thoughts with related photos. It became a treasure for our family—a way to keep her voice alive.
Today, technology makes preserving memories even easier. My favorite example is Storyworth, a gift my children gave me two years ago. For $100 a year, Alice and I receive a weekly question via email. All our kids have to do is select the questions, and all we have to do is respond and hit “send.” At the end of the year, our answers are compiled into a beautifully printed book. There are many similar storytelling services available now, each making it simple to share your story.
So, here’s my thought for the month:
Since we all have a story to tell, let go of worrying about how important it is or who will read it.
Just tell it.
Peace.
Tim McCarthy
Quote of the Month: Seamus Heaney
“So hope for a great sea-change On the far side of revenge. Believe that a further shore
Is reachable from here. Believe in miracles And cures and healing wells.
Hope is not optimism, which expects things to turn out well, but something rooted in the conviction that there is good worth working for.
And from his grave stone; Walk on air against your better judgment”.
---Seamus Heaney
Song of the Month: "I am a Rock" by Paul Simon
Editor’s note: Simon wrote many of the poems/songs that affected my development as a young man. This is a lovely cry for relationships and meaning using the metaphor of one who has given up hope.
Favorite lyric:
“And a rock feels no pain; and an island never cries.”
Book of The Month: "I am Pilgrim" by Terry Hayes
Editor’s note: I love mysteries and thrillers that are deep, filled with varied characters, cover the world with fast-paced portrayals of danger in the gardens of good and evil. This one has it all.
Truly Funny: Question
Over the years, quips that make me laugh end up being part of my common responses. I was in my first job in politics when I turned to the guy at the next desk saying I had a question. He turned to me and responded, “okay, McCarthy, what’s on your (alleged) mind?”
