The Lives We’ve Lived
February 16, 2024
Writer: Emily Becker
Editor: Lexie Meltzer
My grandma lived a million lives. From being a high school French teacher to a court reporter, to traveling to every European country and back, she did it all. She would tell me about it while I drank chocolate milk at her kitchen table or at our weekly dinners at the pizzeria. But to me, these were simply stories from a time before I was born. This winter break, my family and I went to visit the house she lived in before she passed–suddenly all those memories came to life. Although I’d spent countless weekends at this house gossiping about the drama at school or celebrating Hanukkah, I never truly took the time to appreciate the beauty and memories stored in a home. In just an afternoon, all of these recounted memories finally clicked; someone once lived these stories, and it was my job to pass them on.
My grandma was an avid world traveler, collecting souvenirs and stories from places such as Italy, Turkey, or China. In just my lifetime, she gathered a tree full of decorated eggs from these different countries. I learned before I was born, she instead used to collect entire fine china sets from trips spanning the globe that were now stored in her dining room cabinets. My mother told me to pick out my favorite set to become my fine china for a future home of my own someday. But how do you choose just one story–one life–when you know each is rich with scenes of your grandma picking it out in a shop across the world? To know my future home, where I’ll also store all my life’s memories, will include a piece specifically picked out by her, is a beautiful thought.
From a young age, my grandma emphasized the power of wearing a great outfit. She was the biggest fashionista you’d ever meet–filling up entire rooms with her incredible clothing and handmade jewelry. Boutique owners and servers would always compliment her style, whether it was her snake bracelet I was terrified of or her earrings with painted Victorian women. I collected a box of my favorite pieces, which stays sealed in a drawer because no one could wear them better than she did. However, there’s one piece that still lives on through my own life. When I was thirteen, and I decided I was finally ready to wear jewelry, she took me to her favorite store to pick out a necklace, which I’ve worn every day since she passed. Just like homes, the stories objects can hold are endless. She would share these narratives with anyone willing to listen, as she got to recount the joyous memories of her many stories that spanned decades. Grandparents have entire lives before we’re ever a part of them; spend time learning about them, you never know what might come of a conversation and reliving a moment with someone.
With her many French books and typewriters, old birthday cards from my dad and uncle, and hand-painted birds she picked out for the living room, I realize how long a lifetime can be, how many people we’ll meet, and how many places we can see. To view objects from a time I had only heard through stories, I realize how special it is to be able to converse with others and read written records of their pasts. Take time to learn from those who cross your path–pass it on and write it down, for one day your future grandchild might be in the same spot, ready to use your stories to inspire the many lives they’ll live of their own.
It’s through reliving these stories that my grandma taught me the value of cherishing every memory in our lifetime. In a world where ten-year-olds are using retinol, cosmetic surgeries to rid ourselves of wrinkles have become popular, and celebrities are rated based on how well they’ve aged, it’s important to remember the beauty in aging, and the gratitude in being able to live not only a long, prosperous life but so many different lives.
We must remember to take care of ourselves, for there are so many lives we’ve yet to live.
