Don’t you love to tell stories? What fun we have as families, friends and neighbors telling stories. Some stories poke fun at others. Some stories may stretch the truth. Some stories are downright lies. Some are helpful; some are not. Some help us dig deep into the depths of our souls. There are poignant ones, beautiful ones, silly ones, thoughtful ones. Some are melancholy, ugly, historical or hysterical. Others are spiritual, secular or sorrowful. Some have no point at all, others help us to learn, to teach us about our ancestors, help us to grasp our roots, give us wings to fly or keep us grounded.

In spite of our electronic age, I believe the oral tradition of story telling will never grow old. You just cannot replace families and friends sitting around and telling stories. I had just that opportunity the other night as a group of friends told of how they met their husbands. It was a wonderful way to get to know those friends even better.

If we want the next generations of our families to know why they do certain things, say certain things, think a particular way, or even have a particular physical family trait, then it is a must that we relay our family history to young ones. We must not wait until there is no one around who wants to hear. Our stories need to be heard. If we are not living with family now, then perhaps at a special family gathering or maybe at holiday time would be a good time to do it. Or at a new class that is starting at the Senior Center soon.

May I share a story with you?

“Andrew Thomas Rae MacGregor had no idea of the adventure on which he was about to embark when he left his home in Perth, Scotland in the late 1800’s for New York City. The plan was to meet his brother in New York and then together sail for their ultimate destination of Australia. Upon arriving in N.Y.C., his brother was no where to be found and after waiting several days, it became apparent that he wasn’t going to show. So, with suitcase in hand, Thomas headed for his brother’s home, in Lee, Mass. Thomas’s mode of transportation was … his feet. That’s right; he WALKED to Lee, Mass. from N.Y.C. I have no idea how long it took, nor of his mood when he finally showed up on his brother’s doorstep, but the plan for Australia never developed and Lee became the ancestral home of the Thomas MacGregor family, of which I am a granddaughter, and from there, my family history began. Thomas sent for his wife, Agnes. She arrived from Muthill, Scotland several months later.”

So what’s your story? Have you shared it with your loved ones? Have you written it down? The only way I know of my family stories is that my Dad, Jack MacGregor, only son of Thomas, talked of them. My sister and I absorbed them when we were younger, not thinking too much of them, until my Dad died. Then they took on enormous significance and now it is our turn to tell our children.

Some folks don’t have a way of telling their stories, or think that perhaps they aren’t of interest or importance to their families. I want to tell you that they are. How else can you know of your roots, traditions, reasons why you do the things you do. Last summer I went to Scotland and made sure I traveled to the Highlands, Muthill and to Perth. I don’t know why, but I felt a kinship when I gazed upon those mist covered hills and saw the sign that pointed to Perth. I never expected to feel that way, but I’m sure it happened because I had heard all my life of the stories and traditions of the MacGregor family life in Scotland. And I wouldn’t trade that trip for anything in the world.

Now, I am thrilled to announce a new program at the North Mecklenburg Senior Center. It is called Lifestories - a Readers’ Acting Class and is a venue for you to remember and write down your stories, and share them with others through the medium of the theater. The classes are 10 a.m. Tuesdays March 30-April 20 and will be led by a theater actress and producer. Details, registration: 704-892-4041. Hope to see you on the stage and hear YOUR story.

Joanne Ahern is director of North Mecklenburg Senior Center. You can reach her at 704-892-4041.