We pass down many things to our children. Not only the shape of our eyes, the color of our hair, our dispositions. Not all of what we pass down is good, but much of it is very good.
We pass down memories that we cherish, and most of the time our children love hearing those memories. We pass our love and respect for God, and most of the time, our children take it to heart. We pass down our ways of dealing with problems, hopefully they are thoughtful ways that work for our children as well. And we pass down celebration–children love celebration!
One thing that was passed to me is a song my grandfather sang, on the side porch of his house while I sat on his lap. I can still hear his deep voice and feel the vibrations of his chest as he sang, “and what will the wedding supper be? Two butterbeans and a black-eyed pea.”
The song was “Froggie Went A Courtin’ ” and I’ve passed it down, too. I’m on the grandchildren now.
I love this video, not only because of the song; but because it is beautiful, and because it is of family, of love, and of celebration–even if your idea of a feast is not two butterbeans and a black-eyed pea.!
Translating a World on the Edge 