“Grandma, do you you ever wish you had done things differently with your life?”

“Whatever do you mean, Dear? If you’re asking me, am I happy with the choices that I made and so forth?” Her eye brows lifted behind the silver rims of her glasses. She stared intently at me across the kitchen table.

“Let me answer your question with a poem. How much are you really worth?”

You can listen to my grandma recite the poem How much are you really worth?

Supposing today were your last day on Earth, the last mile of the journey you’ve trod,

After all your struggles, how much are you worth? How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold, for tomorrow, you leave them behind,

All that is yours to have, and to hold, are the blessings you’ve given mankind.

Just what have you done, as you’ve journeyed along, that was really, and truly worth while?

Did your good deeds outdo the wrong? Can you look over your life with a smile?

Well only supposing, but if it were real, and you invoiced your deeds since your birth,

And you tallied the score, that you made in life’s deal, How much are you really worth?

I love  FamilySearch Memories. Having the ability to listen to my grandmother’s voice as she recites a poem adds a deeper sense of connection. Grandma turned 90 in August. Each time I call her on the phone, I wonder if it will be our last conversation. I wonder if I have asked her all of the questions I need to help with my genealogy work.

I’ve interviewed my grandmother several times over the years.

I especially enjoyed doing it from the phone booth they had at RootsTech that automatically created a digital file for me to upload to memories.

I don’t think it is ever possible to have enough information about or conversations with family members.

I can think of a lot of things I waste my time on… like reality television. When I work on family history, or help others connect with their ancestors, I know that I am spending my time doing something worthwhile.

What do you do with your time that brings you joy, and helps you feel valuable? Comment and let me know. 

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