This week’s blog topic was inspired by this Instagram post which Brian May shared on Mother’s Day:

I’m not being biased due to Brian being my guitar hero, but these are really wise words. I like to think I know my mum and dad really well but I don’t know much about their childhoods other than a few brief anecdotal stories over the years. I’m sure I don’t know much of the everyday detail, such as who their friends were, what they did in their spare time, what their school and teachers were like, what pastimes excited them, what their earliest memories are, and what dating was like in the days when they first got together. I’m sure there is much more to know and many gaps to fill.

I was fortunate to know one of my great-grandparents, my great grandad, who was in his 90’s when my memories of him were formed. I can remember, during his final years, his son (my grandad) using a portable tape recorder to record his memories and general tales that he would tell about his life. He would sing songs and break out his mouth-organ at times too. My grandad treasured those cassettes, especially once my great-grandad had passed away, though I hadn’t given these a second thought for decades, until seeing Brian’s Instagram post brought memories flooding back.

A very good friend of mine is trying to get to know more about his parent’s early years and I’m now intrigued to do the same. This will come as news to my own mum and dad as they read this but it’s something I need to progress soon. The art of storytelling is all around us, from good television shows, movies, music, and, of course, books, and that is essentially what this is – real life stories from those closest to us. But why stop at our parents? If this is of interest to you, why not expand it to get to better know your grandparents (if you are fortunate enough to still have some), spouses or anyone else who may have a good tale or two to tell? Regular readers will know I try not to have too many regrets in life but, as Brian says, there will be a day when there will be nobody to ask…

As always, thanks for reading, stay safe, and please do try to be kind to others and to yourself.

Best wishes and take care.

Mick