Of my seven goals the one cloaked in the most mystery is #2 The Parent Project. Today it will be fully revealed! Set your expectations low people….
This goal was born out of the monotony of being a child with a Mom & Dad. The truth is I take my parents for granted. How could I not? They were the first people I ever met, they clothed me, fed me, wiped my butt, and that was all the way through college! You assume that because they’ve always been there, regardless of the situation, they’ll remain there forever. But what about the unscheduled heart attack or car accident or falling grand piano? Recognizing the inevitable fact that my parents are mortal I set out to give them a shot at beating that fact.
Let me explain…
One day I may very well have children of my own. Don’t worry, I’m just as scared/put-off by this as you. Despite my fatherhood fears and bellyaching about how having children may be the worst idea ever – for both me and them – I still catch myself looking forward to going to little-league games and coloring and tea parties and playing Superman and Batman (sorry future kids, I like DC and so will you) and taking the kiddos to Mom & Dad’s on Christmas morning for Dad reading the Christmas story and Mom dolling out gifts. I look forward to the happiness my parents get from having these kids running around and regard them with nothing but unwavering and unbreakable love.
Recent circumstances have brought me much closer to my Mother and Father and impressed upon the three of us that our history should be cherished and that each new day is a gift. And should the once unthinkable occur I want my kids to have something more than photos of Ken & Judy.
And that’s the Parent Project. I first imagined a simple audio recording of conversation. That developed into more. Now, after a year of mulling it over here are the main (and hoped for) components:
1. Conversational Interview: A simple talk, with questions and discussion about their life, lessons learned, significant events and people, and their words of wisdom.
2. Readings: Ma, Pa, and me each have stories and books we love. I hope to have them read several and capture the emphasis and intonation as they make their way through the narrative.
3. The Sampler: This sounds like a mix of potato skins, mozzarella sticks, and wings, I know. Really its just clips of them talking about the issues, music, and movies they’re fond of. Wouldn’t it be cool to know that Grandpa Lewis loved The Grapes of Wrath long before I’d ever become interested in it? Or that Popop Harold was a jazz way before me?
Thems the basics. It seems simple enough but it may be a colossal undertaking. If it doesn’t pile up too heavy I’d love to do some video work too. Anyone friends with Ken Burns or the film crew of This American Life?
Anyway, this particular goal is still in the early stages but will hopefully be launching soon. In the meantime I’d love to hear from you with any suggestions or questions you’d ask your own parents or info about your parents you’d want to share with your kiddos.
