Nothing like a good story to build a relationship, to teach a lesson, to inspire courage, or to change an attitude or a perspective....The right story at the right time can be magic.
But not every story has to be magic. Some stories can just be fun. Sometimes it's just spending time together talking that creates a magic memory.
Either way, over the years storytime can become a treasured tradition and an opportunity to stay close with our kids.
Do you tell stories in your family?
Mealtime, car time, after-school snack time, bedtime, any time can be a good time for a story.
Add a story to a special celebration. Keep a great storybook in the car to read when you are waiting. Repeat favorite family stories over and over. And remember that if you select them with extra care, stories can even be meaningful for teens and adults.
Veterans Day is an opportunity to visit with any veterans you many know and hear their stories. Invite a veteran to your home or call and talk with them on the phone. Ask them to tell stories about their experiences. (You might want to visit with them in advance before you invite them to tell stories to your kids.) We have had very special family experiences honoring veterans in this way.
Here is a Veterans Day story my mom read to us when we were young.
"I Knew You Would Come"
Two childhood buddies named Harry and Bill went through school together. They were best friends and when it came time, they went to college and even joined the army together. War broke out and they were fighting in the same unit. One night they were ambushed.
Bullets were flying all around, when out of the darkness came an urgent plea, "Harry, please come help me."
Harry immediately recognized the voice of his dear friend, Bill, and asked the captain if he could go and bring him back.
The captain said, "No, I can't let you go, I'm already short-handed and I can't afford to lose one more man. Besides, the way Bill sounds he isn't going to make it." Harry struggled to keep quiet, but he knew he must obey his captain.
Again the voice came, "Harry, please come and help me." Harry sat in pained silence. He knew he must follow orders.
But again Bill called for him.
Finally, Harry couldn't contain himself any longer, "Captain, this is my lifelong friend. I have to go and help him."
The captain reluctantly gave his permission. Harry crawled through the darkness and dragged his friend back into the trench. But Bill's injuries were too severe and he died just as they arrived.
When the captain saw what had happened, he scolded Harry, "Didn't I tell you he wouldn't make it? He's dead, and you could have been killed."
Harry looked up and shook his head, "Captain, I did the right thing. When I reached Bill he was still alive and his last words were 'Harry, I knew you would come."'
