Murdo Girl…The power of a story

Mary Francis McNinch

Never underestimate the power of a story.

I have more tales than I can count, in my inventory.

I’ve heard them told so many times, I should know them all by heart.

On both sides of my family storytelling is an art.

First there was my Grandpa, whose stories never ended.

Just as it was winding up, his story was amended.

I try to tell Dad’s stories. Most are favorites of mine,

But I usually crack up, before getting to the punchline.

“How many guys work for you?” The question made Dad laugh.

“I’m not really sure,” he said. “But I think it’s close to half.”

Though Mom could tell a story, the ones about her are the best.

She was outspoken, quick and witty… and by far the funniest.

They’d ask, “Can you keep a secret? She’d say, “Not even for one day.”

She said they always told her… their secret, anyway.

Gus tells stories too, when we’re all reminiscing.

But everyone can’t talk. We need him for listening.

Brother Billy knows all the good ones… and tells them perfectly.

You know the story’s over when he laughs and slaps his knee.

wp-image-5265856451271363286jpg.jpg

The stories I like to hear again

are those that start…remember when

Passed from one generation to another,

They make us feel part of each other.

Remember

Jesus taught his children through those great stories we call parables… another story category.

No, never underestimate the power of a story.

*******************

The photograph is of my Mother’s family. LB: Jeff Sanderson, Grandpa M.E. Sanderson, Wayne Sanderson…FL: Grandma Mary Sanderson, Ella Leckey, Helen Haverberg, Loretta Gustafson, and Elna Miller. They are all together again. What a beautiful and remarkable family to have been and continue to be a part of.

13 thoughts on “Murdo Girl…The power of a story”

  1. scoper07 September 10, 2018 / 4:08 pm

    What a wonderful tribute you wrote on your family MG! That’s a great picture too.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Robert Haverberg September 10, 2018 / 9:39 am

    I noted it in yesterday’s blog. Obviously a happy time like end of the war reunion??? Elna looks very young. If it’s 1945 Mom would have been married and living in Michigan since Sept 1942. She and my dad made a trip to CA very near the end of war as part of a draft call. I’d guess it may be associated but I’ve never seen it to my knowledge. Where did you get it??

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Liked by 1 person

    • sanjuan831 September 12, 2018 / 10:22 am

      Bob- I will look through my pictures also for a date. Do you want a copy?

      Like

  3. countrygirl57 September 9, 2018 / 10:35 pm

    Great story about great stories! I loved reading it. ❤️❤️❤️👍

    Sent from my iPhone

    >

    Like

      • sanjuan831 September 9, 2018 / 9:06 pm

        What year was it taken? Would sure love to know who took this picture of them.

        Like

  5. sanjuan831 September 9, 2018 / 8:35 pm

    I am Truly crying now after this. You’re right. They’re all together again, telling stories and laughing.

    Liked by 2 people

    • Mary Francis McNinch September 9, 2018 / 8:52 pm

      In my mind, I can picture each of them laughing that Sanderson laugh. Billy has it, and I think Terry does too. Love you cuz…

      Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.